Maxwell Football Club Names 10 Coaches to 2026 George Munger Coach of the Year Watch List

Arizona’s Brent Brennan Joins Miami’s Mario Cristobal, Utah’s Morgan Scalley and Other Top College Football Coaches in National Award Race

November 5, 2026 — The Maxwell Football Club has announced its 2026 George Munger Coach of the Year Award watch list, recognizing 10 college football head coaches whose teams have delivered outstanding performances through the first eight weeks of the season.

The prestigious award honors the nation’s top collegiate football coach, recognizing leadership, team success, and excellence on the field.

Among this year’s candidates is University of Arizona head coach Brent Brennan, who has guided the Wildcats to a 6-2 record and a second consecutive season of bowl eligibility.

The watch list also features undefeated coaches Mario Cristobal of Miami, Morgan Scalley of Utah, and Bob Chesney of UCLA.

Arizona’s Brent Brennan Earns National Recognition

Arizona head coach Brent Brennan has been named to the George Munger Award watch list after leading the Wildcats to another successful season.

Through the first eight weeks, Arizona posted a 6-2 record, securing bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year.

The Wildcats have also developed one of the Big 12 Conference’s most productive passing attacks, ranking second in the conference in passing offense, according to the Maxwell Football Club announcement.

Brennan’s inclusion brings national attention to the University of Arizona football program as the Wildcats continue competing in the Big 12.

Miami, Utah and UCLA Coaches Lead Undefeated Programs

Three coaches on the watch list have guided their teams to perfect 8-0 records.

Mario Cristobal — Miami (8-0)

Cristobal has led the Hurricanes to an undefeated start for the second time in three seasons. Miami sits atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings and holds the No. 1 position in the College Football Playoff rankings cited in the announcement.

Morgan Scalley — Utah (8-0)

Scalley has guided Utah to its first 8-0 start since 2004. The Utes are ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings, positioning the program among the nation’s leading contenders.

Bob Chesney — UCLA (8-0)

In his first season leading UCLA, Chesney has helped the Bruins achieve bowl eligibility for the first time in three years.

UCLA leads the Big Ten standings, with its undefeated record highlighted by a notable victory over Oregon.

Complete 2026 George Munger Award Watch List

The Maxwell Football Club selected the following 10 head coaches:

Other Coaches Making Their Mark Across College Football

Jake Dickert — Wake Forest (7-1)

In his second season with the Demon Deacons, Dickert has Wake Forest positioned second in the ACC standings.

David Braun — Northwestern (6-2)

Braun has led Northwestern to the best record of his tenure in Evanston. The Wildcats also rank second in total offense, according to the award announcement.

Jason Eck — New Mexico (7-1)

Eck has guided the Lobos to bowl eligibility and first place in the Mountain West Conference during his third season leading the program.

JaMarcus Shephard — Oregon State (5-3)

In his first season, Shephard has helped develop an explosive offensive attack. The Beavers feature the nation’s leading passer and receiver in yardage, according to the Maxwell Football Club.

Will Stein — Kentucky (7-1)

Stein has Kentucky ranked among the nation’s top 10 teams and tied for first place in the Southeastern Conference.

The Wildcats’ résumé includes significant victories over South Carolina and LSU.

Neal Brown — North Texas (6-2)

Brown has made an immediate impact in his first season leading North Texas.

The Mean Green feature the American Athletic Conference’s leading passer and rusher, helping the program secure a 6-2 record.

George Munger Award Selection Timeline

The George Munger Award is presented annually by the Maxwell Football Club to recognize outstanding achievement in college football coaching.

The organization has announced the following dates for the remainder of the selection process:

• November 17, 2026: George Munger Award semifinalists announced.
• December 15, 2026: Maxwell Award finalists announced.
• January 14, 2027: George Munger Coach of the Year Award winner announced.
• March 13, 2027: Formal award presentation at the Maxwell Football Club Awards.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

The December 15 date in the announcement refers to the Maxwell Award finalists; a separate date for George Munger Award finalists was not specified.

About the Maxwell Football Club

Founded in 1935, the Maxwell Football Club is one of the nation’s longest-established organizations recognizing excellence in American football.

The club honors outstanding achievements at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels while supporting community programs focused on education, leadership, financial literacy, and volunteerism.

Its annual awards recognize athletes, coaches, and other individuals whose accomplishments have made significant contributions to the sport.

Arizona Football Earns a Place in the National Spotlight

For Arizona football fans, Brennan’s selection represents another opportunity for the Wildcats to receive recognition on the national stage.

With bowl eligibility already secured and one of the Big 12’s leading passing offenses, Arizona has positioned itself among the programs drawing attention from national award committees.

As the college football season moves toward conference championships and postseason play, the performances of Brennan and the other nine candidates will remain under consideration.

Habari Sports congratulates all 10 coaches selected for the 2026 George Munger Coach of the Year Award watch list.

Source: Maxwell Football Club — 2026 George Munger Coach of the Year Award Watch List announcement.

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