The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl Inc. released the 26-coach preseason watch list for the 2025 Dodd Trophy, which honors the Football Bowl Subdivision head coach who best combines on-field success with scholarship, leadership and community service. This season marks the 50th anniversary of the award. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, Oklahoma’s Brent Venables, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key and Indiana’s Curt Cignetti are among the coaches recognized. The Southeastern Conference tops all leagues with eight selections, while the Big Ten and Big 12 each place five coaches on the list. Eligibility required programs to post an Academic Progress Rate above the national average of 969 and coaches to have at least two years at their current school. A mid-season update will trim or expand the field, and the winner will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal.