The College Football Stock Market: A High-Stakes Game of Buy or Sell
College football is a lot like the stock market—volatile, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. Joel Klatt’s recent analysis of teams to buy or sell for the 2026 season has sparked a flurry of debates, and personally, I think it’s a brilliant lens to view the sport. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about momentum, leadership, and the intangible factors that make or break a program. Let’s dive into the highlights, but more importantly, let’s unpack why they matter.
UCLA: A Bold Bet on New Leadership
Joel Klatt is buying UCLA stock, and I’m inclined to agree—but with a caveat. Bob Chesney’s hire is a masterstroke. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Chesney’s success at James Madison translates to the Big Ten. James Madison was a Cinderella story, but the Big Ten is a different beast. UCLA’s 3-9 record last season was abysmal, but Chesney’s track record suggests he’s a program builder. The infusion of 40 transfers and a returning quarterback in Nico Iamaleava is exciting, but here’s the kicker: the Big Ten is a graveyard for coaches who can’t adapt quickly. Chesney’s success hinges on whether he can navigate this new terrain. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about UCLA—it’s about whether mid-major success translates to Power Five dominance.
Ole Miss: The Peak or the Plateau?
Klatt is selling Ole Miss, and I’m not entirely convinced. Yes, they made the CFP semifinals last year, but what many people don’t realize is that Lane Kiffin’s departure left a cultural void. Pete Golding is a brilliant defensive mind, but head coaching is a different animal. The real question is: Can Golding sustain the momentum without Kiffin’s offensive genius? Trinidad Chambliss is a stud, but quarterback talent alone doesn’t win championships. This raises a deeper question: How much of Ole Miss’s success was Kiffin, and how much was the system? If Golding can’t replicate the magic, Ole Miss might be in for a rude awakening.
Florida: A New Era, But Will It Stick?
Jon Sumrall’s arrival at Florida feels like a breath of fresh air. Klatt is buying, and so am I—but cautiously. Sumrall’s success at Tulane was impressive, but the SEC is a different monster. What this really suggests is that Florida is desperate for stability after the Billy Napier debacle. Sumrall’s 43-12 record is impressive, but the SEC chews up and spits out coaches who can’t recruit at an elite level. One thing that immediately stands out is Sumrall’s ability to bring in talent, but the real test will be whether he can keep up with the Alabamas and Georgias of the world.
Penn State: The Matt Campbell Effect
Matt Campbell at Penn State is a match made in heaven—on paper. Klatt is buying, and I’m intrigued. Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State was remarkable, but Penn State is a different animal. The Nittany Lions have the resources, but they’ve also had sky-high expectations. What makes this particularly fascinating is whether Campbell can finally break through the ceiling that James Franklin couldn’t. From my perspective, Campbell’s ability to build a consistent winner at Iowa State bodes well, but Penn State fans won’t settle for consistency—they want championships.
Alabama: The Post-Saban Hangover
Selling Alabama feels sacrilegious, but Klatt might be onto something. The Crimson Tide haven’t felt the same since Nick Saban’s departure. Kalen DeBoer is a great coach, but he’s not Saban. What many people don’t realize is that Alabama’s success wasn’t just about coaching—it was about a culture of dominance. Without Ty Simpson and with a quarterback battle looming, Alabama feels vulnerable. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the first time in over a decade that Alabama isn’t the favorite in the SEC.
The Bigger Picture: Coaching is King
What this analysis really highlights is the outsized role of coaching in college football. Programs rise and fall on the strength of their leaders. Chesney, Golding, Sumrall, Campbell—these names will define the next few seasons. But here’s the thing: coaching is only part of the equation. Talent, culture, and luck play massive roles too.
Personally, I think the 2026 season will be a referendum on whether coaches can transcend their previous successes. Can Chesney replicate his James Madison magic at UCLA? Can Sumrall sustain his Tulane momentum at Florida? These are the questions that will keep us glued to our screens.
Final Thoughts: A Game of Inches
College football is a game of inches, and the same goes for its stock market. Buying or selling isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the intangibles. Klatt’s analysis is a great starting point, but it’s the stories behind the numbers that truly matter. As we head into 2026, one thing is clear: the teams that succeed will be the ones that adapt, innovate, and outwork the rest.
So, who’s your buy? Who’s your sell? In this high-stakes game, only time will tell.
