College Football Week 10: NIL Spending, Coaching Struggles, and Playoff Shifts
High-spending programs dominate, while first-year coaches face scrutiny after historic on-field failures.
1Financial Investment and Success
Data shows a clear correlation between high NIL spending and winning percentages in college football. Twelve programs that invested approximately $40 million in their rosters have collectively won 72.2% of their games. Only two of these high-spending teams currently remain outside of the College Football Playoff contention as the season progresses.
2Georgia's Dominant Resurgence
Georgia solidified its status as a national powerhouse by demolishing Ole Miss 42-7 in Oxford. Despite an earlier October loss to Auburn, the Bulldogs have returned to a smothering defensive style. Quarterback Gunner Stockton showcased efficiency, connecting with Talyn Taylor for three touchdowns, signaling Georgia's readiness for a deep postseason run.
3Missouri's Continued Struggles
Missouri failed to capitalize on a critical opportunity, losing 34-20 to Texas at home. The Tigers have now lost 11 of their last 12 games against ranked opponents. Despite quarterback Austin Simmons committing to return for the 2027 season, the team remains unable to overcome elite competition during this current campaign.
4UCLA's Historic Undefeated Run
UCLA improved to 9-0 following a 34-20 victory over Minnesota, marking their best start since 1998. Coach Bob Chesney became the second coach in FBS history to start 9-0 after taking over a team that lost nine games previously. Backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach provided a historic performance, throwing for 303 yards.
5SMU's Playoff Hopes Revived
SMU kept its playoff aspirations alive with a decisive 51-28 victory over Virginia Tech. The Mustangs currently hold an 8.8% chance of reaching the CFP, which could rise significantly with a win against Wake Forest. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has been instrumental, throwing 13 touchdowns against only one interception over five games.
6Lane Kiffin's Alabama Problem
LSU coach Lane Kiffin suffered a 31-13 home defeat to Alabama, falling to 0-6 against the Crimson Tide during his head coaching career. Despite being one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport, Kiffin has yet to secure a major conference title or a playoff win, raising questions about his program's trajectory.
7First-Year Coaching Failures
First-year coaches are facing intense scrutiny following nonsensical results this week. Michigan, led by Sherrone Moore, has failed to score seven points in back-to-back home games for the first time since 1936. Meanwhile, Tulane's Will Hall has struggled significantly, leading the program to a 4-5 record after a previous playoff appearance.
8Administrative and Performance Crisis
Tulane athletic director David Harris issued a public statement expressing embarrassment following a 60-50 loss to Tulsa. The program's decline from a playoff contender to a losing record has alarmed leadership. These administrative responses highlight the growing pressure on coaching staffs to deliver results commensurate with their university's financial and historical investments.
9The Future of Playoff Contention
As the regular season enters its final month, the divide between high-spending programs and struggling teams continues to widen. While teams like UCLA and Georgia demonstrate clear paths to success, others face mounting pressure to justify their massive payrolls. The coming weeks will determine which three-loss teams secure the final playoff spots.