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As the college football season enters its final stretch, pressure is mounting for both coaches and players across the nation. Whether it’s a coach fighting to save their job, a player stepping into the spotlight to prove their worth, or a team trying to stay in playoff contention, every game from here on out is crucial. The GSMC College Football Podcast recently dove deep into several high-pressure situations, examining how pivotal these next few games are for coaches and players alike. In this article, we break down the top names facing the most intense pressure in the coming weeks and what’s at stake for them.
LSU’s Brian Kelly finds himself in an interesting and precarious situation as he heads into one of the most significant games of his tenure. With the SEC championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff on the line, the Tigers’ matchup against Alabama will determine whether Kelly’s progress at LSU is on the right track or if fans will begin to question his leadership.
If LSU wins against Alabama, they’re firmly in the race for a playoff spot, and Kelly becomes a hero in Baton Rouge. However, a loss would put LSU at 9-3 for the second consecutive year, raising doubts about whether they’ve taken a significant step forward. A loss would also mean Kelly is 0-2 against Alabama under his watch, adding fuel to the fire for critics who have been questioning LSU’s status as an elite program.
It’s clear: if Kelly’s LSU program doesn’t rise to the occasion in this high-profile game, questions about his long-term future could surface. While he won’t be fired immediately, as the transcript points out, Kelly’s future could hinge on the 2025 season.
A victory against Alabama would elevate Kelly’s status as a successful LSU coach, but a loss could raise alarms about his ability to push the program back to national prominence.
In Tuscaloosa, Kalen DeBoer is under pressure not because of any imminent threat to his job, but due to expectations. Alabama has not suffered three losses in a season since 2010, and DeBoer faces a tough situation. The stakes are high—if Alabama suffers a third loss, they would have to go into the final games of the season fighting for a bowl game, not a playoff spot.
A win against LSU is critical for DeBoer to keep his Alabama legacy intact. A third loss could lead to a lot of soul-searching for Alabama’s fans and athletic department. While DeBoer’s position is far more secure than many coaches on this list, the weight of history means that anything less than a playoff berth this season could leave DeBoer’s tenure in Tuscaloosa under a microscope.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career. With his team battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Dart must lead the charge against a ferocious Georgia defense. This is a game where Dart must perform like a Heisman contender—creating plays off-schedule, making quick decisions, and carrying his offense through tough moments.
Dart’s ability to lead Ole Miss to victory against Georgia, despite a depleted running game and injuries to key players, could make or break their CFP hopes. With Trey Harris potentially sidelined, Dart must step up and play his best football—performing well under pressure, finding new ways to move the chains, and keeping the defense honest with his legs.
Ole Miss’s playoff dreams could fade if Dart fails to show up in this crucial game, so the pressure is on.
On the opposite sideline from Dart is Carson Beck, Georgia’s quarterback. With the team coming off a couple of close calls, Beck is under pressure to perform. A solid game against Ole Miss could prove that Georgia’s offense is still one of the most dangerous in the country.
Beck needs a mistake-free performance. Against a ferocious Ole Miss defense, Georgia’s offense cannot afford to be careless. A game with no turnovers, an accurate completion rate, and efficient decision-making could provide the boost Beck needs to solidify his place as Georgia’s trusted leader moving forward.
Given Georgia’s playoff aspirations, a loss in this game would put Beck’s leadership under serious scrutiny, especially considering the expectations that come with being part of a defending national champion.
Indiana’s head coach Kurt Zetti is not facing the same high-profile spotlight as some of the other names on this list, but the pressure is no less significant. Indiana has not been relevant in the Big Ten for years, but a potential victory against Michigan would mark a turning point for the Hoosiers’ program.
Beating Michigan would represent a significant leap for Indiana, showing that they can compete with the traditional powers in the Big Ten. While Michigan is not quite the same juggernaut it once was, defeating them would be a landmark moment for Zetti and Indiana football, opening doors for future recruiting success and national recognition.
Dabo Swinney’s seat has never been warmer than it is right now. Clemson’s struggles this season have left fans questioning the direction of the program, and Swinney needs to win the ACC Championship to maintain his stature as one of college football’s elite coaches.
Clemson has been the top dog in the ACC for much of the past decade, and Swinney is under pressure to get back to that level. If they fail to win the ACC this year, Swinney’s future could be called into question. The dynamics around the program could shift dramatically, particularly in the eyes of fans and administrators.
Swinney’s future in Clemson could depend on how the rest of the season plays out, and it’s clear that another year without an ACC title could lead to significant changes.
James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has been marked by several close calls, but the pressure is ratcheting up after a loss to Ohio State. To maintain his job security and keep the Nittany Lions in playoff contention, Franklin needs to bounce back in a big way.
A loss to Washington could all but end Penn State’s playoff hopes for the year. Fans expect the team to compete at the highest level, and Franklin’s ability to adapt and recover from tough losses will be on full display. If Franklin can guide Penn State to a statement win against Washington, it could reaffirm his status as one of the top coaches in college football.
Florida’s Billy Napier is under pressure like few others on this list. After a series of disappointing results, Napier’s job security has come into question, especially with the announcement that he will return for the 2025 season. But for Napier to gain any semblance of goodwill among the Gators’ fanbase, he must show significant progress this year.
Florida’s schedule is not kind, with tough matchups against Texas, LSU, and Ole Miss looming. While it may be unrealistic to expect Napier to win these games outright, showing competitiveness and demonstrating that his program is improving will be key. Napier needs to provide the fanbase with a reason to believe in his vision for the future.
As we approach the end of the season, the pressure is undeniably on for these coaches and players. Whether it’s fighting for a playoff spot, proving their worth to fans, or securing their future with their teams, every game is a high-stakes affair. The coming weeks will determine which teams and individuals rise to the occasion and which ones crumble under the weight of the moment.
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