7. Jim Harbaugh, Stanford. That stunning 24-23 win over 41-point favorite USC last year was just the beginning. I get the feeling "Captain Comeback" will lead the Cardinal to success sooner rather than later. He can impress recruits not only with Stanford's boffo academics, but also with his pedigree as an NFL player and coach. And don't forget: Harbaugh — whose dad, Jack, was a legendary coach at Western Kentucky and whose brother John is the coach of the Baltimore Ravens — did well running I-AA San Diego.

8. Tyrone Willingham, Washington. Willingham is the epitome of class and of doing things the right way. And he knows his Xs and Os. But he still hasn't enjoyed a run of big success at any stop in his career. To date, his biggest feat has been taking Stanford to the Rose Bowl. The biggest question: Can he recruit? The heat is on "good guy Ty."

9. Paul Wulff, Washington State. An ex-Coug, Wulff knows what it takes to win on the Palouse. And that's half the battle for any Wazzu coach. Factor in Wulff's energy and youth, coupled with his wild success at Eastern Washington, and Washington State is on the right track.

10. Mike Stoops, Arizona. Some coordinators aren't cut out to be head coaches. That could be the case for Stoops, who has yet to get the Wildcats over the hump as the program searches for its first bowl appearance since 1998. I love his fire and passion, and I give Stoops credit for continually looking for answers, particularly on offense. But it's time to win — now.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

BCS at-large bids up for grabs in final weeks Bowl Championship Series standings Top nine teams remain same in latest AP poll AP, coaches', Harris Top 25 rankings   Vote: Who should be ranked No. 1? Heisman Hopefuls: Race is tight down stretch Opinion: McCoy keeping No. 3 ’Horns on same page CFT: Michigan A.D. says Rodriguez will be back Opinion: Michigan the happiest 5-7 team in history Special feature: Is your coach on the 'Hot Seat'? College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: