As Power Four openings continue to emerge across college football, attention inevitably turns to the Group of 5 and which rising stars could make the jump.
Some coaches have quietly built impressive résumés, positioning themselves as the next Curt Cignetti: proven leaders who could step into bigger programs and immediately make an impact.
Here are five names to watch in 2025.
Jon Sumrall: Tulane
When Jon Sumrall took over for Willie Fritz at Tulane, skeptics questioned whether the Green Wave could sustain success. The answer has been emphatically “yes.” A former defensive assistant with over 15 years of experience, Sumrall has built Tulane into a disciplined, tough-minded program that mirrors his personality. He posted a 23–4 record over two seasons at Troy before arriving in New Orleans, then guided the Wave to a 9–5 record and an American Conference title game in his first season.
PFSN grades reinforce his impact: offense ranks 78.6, while his defensive pedigree makes him an appealing candidate for Power Four programs seeking balance and accountability. He also has Tulane sporting the second-best odds out of the Group of Five to make the CFP with a 23.47% chance, according to PFSN CFB Playoff Meter. Some even suggest he was close to a Kentucky hire in 2023 before politics intervened. Sumrall is ready-made for a bigger stage, combining proven success with potential for growth.
Alex Golesh: USF
Few coaches have elevated their stock faster in 2025 than Alex Golesh. In just three seasons at USF, Golesh has transformed the Bulls from an afterthought into a top 25 contender and a potential College Football Playoff participant. Known for his high-tempo, dynamic offense, Golesh has energized USF’s program while turning Tampa into a destination for transfers and recruits.
Offensively, USF grades 81.1 in PFSN metrics, while its defense sits at 77.4. Golesh has improved culture, execution, and competitiveness in a challenging environment, and early wins over Boise State and Florida this year signal he’s ready to compete on a bigger stage. With his innovation and intensity, Golesh is exactly the type of program builder Power Four ADs crave.
Bob Chesney: James Madison
Taking over for Curt Cignetti at JMU, Bob Chesney has done little but win, maintaining continuity while improving the Dukes’ performance. Chesney’s previous record at Holy Cross (44–21) showcased his ability to build winning teams, and he’s brought that same success to JMU. Currently 8–1, the Dukes are in CFP contention, averaging 438 yards and 34.8 points per game offensively while limiting opponents to just 269.4 yards and 16.9 points.
JMU’s PFSN rankings reflect its balance: offense 77.1, defense 85.4. He also has JMU sporting the best odds out of all teams in the Group of Five to make the CFP with a 32.06% chance, according to PFSN CFB Playoff Meter. Chesney has proven he can step into a program midstream and sustain excellence, making him a prime candidate for a Power Four opportunity if the right opening arises.
Eric Morris: North Texas
For programs seeking an offensive innovator, Eric Morris has been quietly climbing the ranks. A disciple of Mike Leach’s Air Raid and former coordinator under Kliff Kingsbury, Morris has a track record of developing quarterbacks, including turning zero-star prospect Drew Mestemaker into one of FBS’s most efficient passers at North Texas.
UNT’s offense’s carries an 82.1 PFSN Offense Impact rating, while the defense checks in at 74.9. Morris brings creativity, adaptability, and a growth mindset, though he’s more potential-based than proven at the highest levels. Every great coach has to start somewhere, and this might be the year Morris gets the opportunity to make the leap to a Power Four program.
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Ryan Silverfield: Memphis
Ryan Silverfield is no newcomer, but consistency has kept him in the conversation. Since taking over Memphis, he’s produced multiple 10-win seasons, gone 4–0 in bowl games, and maintained one of the AAC’s most stable programs. The Tigers’ offense carries an 82.9 grade on PFSN’s Offense Impact ratings (average 429.8 yards, 37.7 points per game), while the defense sits at 73.6.
Over 6.5 seasons, Silverfield has compiled a 50–22 record, demonstrating his ability to sustain success. Having been at a Group of 5 program for this long, he may simply be waiting for the right Power Four opening, a perfect combination of timing and opportunity for a coach ready to take the next step.
