Michigan State won out. There is no hungrier coach in college football in 2026 than Pat Fitzgerald. It’s hard to remember that the Spartans were College Football Playoff participants in 2015 and recorded double-digit victories seven times between 2010–21. In that sense, Fitz is the spiritual heir to the last great Michigan State coach, Mark Dantonio. More College Football From Sports IllustratedListen to SI’s college sports podcast, Others Receiving Votes, below or on Apple and Spotify.