With Arkansas now deep in the hunt for its next head coach, the question around Fayetteville isn’t if the Razorbacks will look to the Group of Five ranks, it’s which rising star could be their next program-builder.
The recent success of Curt Cignetti at Indiana has rewritten the blueprint for hiring: proven leaders from outside the Power Four can bring fresh energy, strong developmental systems, and modern schemes that revitalize struggling programs.
This season, five names stand out as potential climbers. These coaches have built winners, developed talent, and inspired belief within their programs: Alex Golesh (USF), Jon Sumrall (Tulane), Ryan Silverfield (Memphis), Eric Morris (North Texas), and Spencer Danielson (Boise State). Each brings a different skill set, but all fit the mold of the modern program rebuilder which is something Arkansas desperately needs.
1. Alex Golesh, South Florida Bulls
No Group of Five coach has elevated his stock more in 2025 than Alex Golesh. In just his third season at USF, the 41-year-old has transformed the Bulls from a perennial afterthought into a Top 25 team and a legitimate frontrunner for the Group of Five’s College Football Playoff bid.
Golesh’s background as a dynamic offensive coordinator shows every Saturday. His trademark high-tempo offense is among the fastest in the nation, putting constant pressure on defenses and energizing the Bulls’ program and fan base alike.
More importantly, Golesh has completely changed the culture in Tampa. His intensity, innovation, and attention to detail have turned USF into a destination for transfers and recruits alike. Power conference athletic directors love proven program builders and Golesh fits that description.
If his Bulls keep winning, it won’t be long before he’s fielding calls from higher-profile programs looking for an injection of energy and offensive creativity. Arkansas would be wise to get him on the phone the earliest they can as soon as their season concludes if they can wait that long.
2. Jon Sumrall, Tulane Green Wave
When Jon Sumrall took over for Willie Fritz at Tulane, some wondered whether the Green Wave could sustain their success. The answer: absolutely.
Sumrall, who went 23–4 in two seasons at Troy, has kept Tulane among the Group of Five elite, building a defensive-minded and disciplined team that mirrors his own personality. His 39–11 career record as a head coach speaks for itself and it’s no surprise he’s already being mentioned in connection with potential SEC openings. He would be a great get for the Razorbacks in search of some pedigree mixed with some potential, which he has a little bit of both.
A former defensive assistant for 16 seasons, Sumrall’s strength lies in his ability to create toughness and accountability throughout his programs. While Golesh may be the hot name this cycle, Sumrall might be the most ready-made for an immediate Power Four job.
3. Ryan Silverfield, Memphis Tigers
Ryan Silverfield isn’t a new name on the scene, but his consistency at Memphis keeps him squarely in the conversation. Since taking over the Tigers, he’s raised expectations and delivered results, including multiple 10-win seasons and another potential double-digit campaign this year. Being 4-0 in bowl games shows he has no problem winning the big game, even if that is against higher level competition.
Memphis continues to be one of the most stable programs in the American Athletic Conference under Silverfield’s leadership. The Tigers are again on the brink of a CFP bid, needing a strong finish and a conference title to make their case.
Silverfield has proven himself as a builder and maintainer, someone who can keep a program successful despite the shifting sands of modern college football. If stability and player development are priorities, Silverfield’s résumé stands out among his peers.
4. Eric Morris, North Texas Mean Green
For programs looking for an offensive innovator with a proven track record of quarterback development, Eric Morris is one to watch. The former Texas Tech wide receiver has carried the late Mike Leach’s Air Raid principles with him throughout his coaching career to North Texas.
Morris’ coaching lineage is rich: he worked under Leach in Pullman, served as Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, helping guide a young Patrick Mahomes, and later became head coach at Incarnate Word, where he discovered and developed Cam Ward. His latest project being QB Drew Mestemaker from UNT. Zero star high school recruit prospect into one of the most efficient passers in all the FBS.
Now in his third season at North Texas, Morris has the Mean Green trending toward one of their best seasons in program history (8-1) and also on the brink of a CFP appearance if momentum continues. He’s young, creative, and deeply connected in Texas recruiting circles are all traits that make him an attractive long-term hire, even if his big move doesn’t happen this offseason. If Arkansas wants a big boom potential hire, this is their guy. This could also be a great HC-QB combo if Morris could pry Mestemaker away from North Texas to join him in the SEC.
5. Spencer Danielson, Boise State Broncos
If there’s one coach who flies under the radar yet continues to win big, it’s Spencer Danielson at Boise State. Danielson embodies what the Broncos have been for decades: consistent, disciplined, and dangerous. Last season, he guided Boise State to a CFP playoff appearance and a first-round bye, proving the program’s national viability even in a shifting college football landscape.
Perhaps what sets Danielson apart most is his player development. He’s turned under-recruited prospects into stars; none more notable than Ashton Jeanty, last year’s Heisman runner-up.
The only question with Danielson is whether he’d even leave Boise. His deep loyalty to the program is well known, but if he ever decides to test the waters, Power Four programs would line up quickly.
Final Thoughts
As Arkansas’s coaching search heats up, the program faces a pivotal decision: chase a big-name retread or invest in a proven program builder from the Group of Five.
Recent history favors the latter. It's a copycat league and everyone is looking for the "next big thing" Curt Cignetti’s success at Indiana has AD's itching to find the next Cignetti to take the college football world by storm.
Each of the coaches above bring a unique formula for success. Whether it’s offensive innovation, defensive toughness, or culture-building leadership, they’ve all proven they can take struggling teams and make them contenders.
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, that’s exactly what’s needed: a builder, not a brand name.
The next great hire may not come from the Power Four, it may already be dominating Saturdays in the Group of Five.