College Football Hot Seat: Week 5 Shakeups That Could Reshape the Season
Week 5 of the college football season brought a dramatic shift in the fortunes of several high-profile coaches. From Florida State's emphatic bounce-back to a stunning mid-game resignation in Colorado, the landscape of the sport is changing as teams head into the heart of conference play. For Iowa fans, the action is particularly relevant as the Hawkeyes loom large on the schedules of several teams fighting for their jobs.
Who Helped Themselves on Saturday?
Mike Norvell, Florida State
Florida State (3-2) delivered a resounding 38-7 victory over Virginia, marking the Seminoles' best win since 2023. Quarterback Ashton Daniels rushed for five touchdowns, and the team dominated a Cavaliers squad that played in last year's ACC championship game. The win changes the conversation in Tallahassee, but the real test comes on the road. Florida State hasn't won away from home since November 2023, and upcoming trips to Louisville and Miami will define Norvell's season.
Norvell's expensive buyout may be his saving grace. If he can reach seven wins, financial pragmatism combined with renewed optimism could keep him employed.
Dave Aranda, Baylor
Baylor (4-1) routed Arizona State 55-19, securing their first win outside Texas since 2024. First-year defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has transformed the Bears' defense, cutting points allowed per game from 32.6 to 14.2. Quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns in his best performance yet.
The Bears face a favorable stretch before a brutal closing schedule against BYU, Texas Tech, and Houston. Aranda, once considered a lame duck, may have solidified his position for an eighth season.
Dave Doeren, North Carolina State
After a rocky start, NC State has won two straight games. The Wolfpack's offense is explosive, and the defense is making timely stops. The upcoming Tobacco Road matchups against Wake Forest, Duke, and North Carolina will determine both the team's trajectory and Doeren's approval rating.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
The Badgers (4-1) are riding a two-game Big Ten winning streak and haven't allowed a touchdown in six quarters. The open date this week was once seen as a potential firing point, but Fickell's team is now resembling his successful Cincinnati squads. October brings a brutal stretch: UCLA, USC, and Iowa on Halloween. Winning all three makes the Badgers playoff contenders; losing all three puts Fickell back on the hot seat.
Matt Rhule, Nebraska
Nebraska (5-0) has beaten up on weak competition, but the real season starts Saturday against Indiana. The Cornhuskers lost 56-7 to the Hoosiers last year, and this game will be a true yardstick. Oregon, Ohio State, and Iowa still await, making this a defining stretch for Rhule's program.
Who Hurt Their Standing?
Shane Beamer, South Carolina
South Carolina (2-3) has lost home games to Mississippi State and Kentucky, a recipe for a losing season. The Gamecocks rank last in the SEC in pass efficiency defense and have only two takeaways all year. Beamer, known for pulling upsets, needs a miracle to save his job.
Mike Locksley and Greg Schiano, Maryland and Rutgers
These two coaches face each other on Oct. 17 in what could be a loser-leaves-town matchup. Both programs are struggling, and a loss might end either coach's tenure.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina
With the Michael Lombardi saga behind him, Belichick has a path forward: make a bowl game and return for a third season. The offense has improved under Bobby Petrino, and the defense is solid. Three of the next four opponents are undefeated, offering a chance for a signature win.
What Is Happening in Colorado?
Chaos reigns in the Centennial State. Colorado has lost three straight, scoring just 27 points combined. The low point came against Texas Tech when a zero-yard pick-six and a bizarre eight-man field goal unit highlighted the dysfunction. Adding insult to injury, an offensive game plan was left in a hotel bar, where Tech fans found it. The plays were later run in the game.
At Colorado State, defensive coordinator Tyson Summers was demoted during the first quarter of Saturday's loss to Oregon State. He quit on the spot and left the stadium. The Rams have allowed 156 points in their last three games.
He made the decision on his own to leave the field, and he is no longer with the program.
Head coach Jim Mora said after the game.
Playoff Picture Emerging
The Dash's weekly playoff projection has Texas, Ohio State, Miami, and Notre Dame as the top seeds. Iowa fans will note that Wisconsin's October gauntlet includes a trip to Kinnick Stadium, a game that could have major Big Ten West implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coaches are on the hottest seat after Week 5?
Shane Beamer at South Carolina, Mike Locksley at Maryland, and Greg Schiano at Rutgers face the most immediate pressure. A loss in their next game could end their tenures.
Can Wisconsin compete for a playoff spot?
The Badgers are 4-1 and have a favorable path. Winning at UCLA, hosting USC, and beating Iowa would make them a serious contender.
Is Bill Belichick safe at North Carolina?
Belichick needs to make a bowl game to secure a third season. The schedule offers opportunities for signature wins, but the margin for error is thin.