Introduction: The Return of an Annual Tradition
With the 2026 college football season on the horizon, Sports Illustrated senior writer Pat Forde has begun his annual feature series: the Most Intriguing Lists. In the first installment, Forde tackles the 25 most intriguing coaches in the sport. The opening line of the article, which is the only portion provided in the wire context, reads:
“Back by popular demand—or perhaps force of habit—it’s time for the annual college football Most Intriguing Lists. First up: The 25 most intriguing coaches.”
This brief excerpt immediately sets the tone for the piece—a mix of self-deprecating humor and journalistic confidence. Forde acknowledges the cyclical nature of sports media content while also signaling that the list is a staple for fans as the season approaches.
The Premise of the “Most Intriguing” List
While the provided context does not detail the criteria for selection, the title “Most Intriguing Coaches” suggests a focus on narratives that go beyond simple win-loss records. Such lists typically consider factors like coaching changes, innovative schemes, personality, recruiting momentum, or the weight of expectations. Readers are invited to speculate on whether the intrigue stems from on-field achievements, off-field storylines, or a combination of both.
Given that the list is described as “annual,” it is part of a larger tradition in sports journalism. Forde’s phrasing “back by popular demand—or perhaps force of habit” hints at the nostalgia and routine that accompany these rankings. The parenthetical aside is characteristic of Forde’s witty style, suggesting that the list may be as much about entertainment as it is about analysis.
The First Name: Curt Cignetti, Indiana
The only coach identified in the provided excerpt is Curt Cignetti, who is listed at number one. He is identified as the coach at Indiana University. The article cuts off mid-sentence—”He is the games or…”—leaving the reader without any specifics about why Cignetti tops the list.
This spot at number one is significant. It implies that, in Forde’s view, Cignetti’s situation is the most compelling entering the 2026 season. While we cannot know the reasoning from the provided fragment, we can infer that there is a story worth telling—perhaps a dramatic turnaround, a high-profile transfer, a new scheme, or a season of high expectations. The lack of detail actually underscores the intrigue: the list is designed to pique curiosity and draw readers into the full article.
What the Full List Might Encompass
Although only the opening and the first name are available, it is reasonable to anticipate a ranked countdown from 25 to 1, with each coach receiving a brief explanation. The list likely includes a diverse mix of figures:
- Coaches at traditional powerhouse programs with national championship aspirations.
- New hires at prominent schools who are under immediate pressure.
- Mid-major coaches who have sparked unexpected success.
- Veterans known for their tactical quirks or colorful personalities.
- Coaches facing pivotal seasons that could define their careers.
Forde’s reputation as a seasoned college football journalist suggests that the list will be insightful and well-argued, even if the provided excerpt does not allow us to verify the full content.
Context and Limitations of the Provided Material
The wire context supplied for this report is extremely limited—a single sentence fragment and the beginning of the first entry. As such, any analysis must be grounded strictly in what is explicitly stated. We know the author, publication, topic, and the first coach listed. We do not know the full list, the specific reasoning for Cignetti’s ranking, or any other coaches mentioned. Any further elaboration would require accessing the full article.
Given these constraints, this report serves as a preview and an examination of the article’s opening framing, rather than a comprehensive summary of the entire list.
Conclusion: Anticipation for the Full Countdown
Pat Forde’s 2026 “Most Intriguing Coaches” list begins with a wink and a promise. The inclusion of Curt Cignetti at the top spot sets a high bar for the rest of the list. Even with only the opening lines available, readers can already sense that the article will blend football insight with storytelling flair. As the season approaches, this list is certain to spark debate—and that, perhaps, is exactly the point.