Kirk Herbstreit ranks top 7 coaches of college football Week 12

As the college football season hits later stages, games are beginning to mean a little more. While not too many upsets took place in Week 12, conference races are beginning to take shape late in November.

To celebrate, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit decided to recognize a few coaches for their displays over the weekend. He named seven top-performing coaches from Week 12 of the 2024 season, all but one of which came from power conferences.

You can check out the full list of seven from Herbstreit down below, beginning with the late-night upset that shook up the Big 12 race.

1. Kansas HC Lance Leipold

BYU was on track to having a perfect season and potentially representing the Big 12 in the College Football Playoff. Leipold and the Jayhawks had other ideas though, going to Provo and upsetting the No. 6 team in the country.

Kansas’ defense was the story of the night, holding BYU to 13 points. The fight to make a bowl game stays alive as well, improving their record to 4-6.

2. Florida HC Billy Napier

Much has been made about Napier’s job but Florida announced he would be returning for the 2025 season. It’s instantly paid off as Saturday evening in the Swamp was one full of celebrations after taking down LSU.

Just like Kansas, bowl eligibility remains a possibility for Florida. Napier will continue to receive heat from the outside but Herbstreit liked what he saw in Gainesville.

3. Georgia OC Mike Bobo

Not too many Georgia fans have been happy with Bobo this season. Even with losing valuable NFL pieces this offseason, the offense has been off a times with second-year starter Carson Beck.

But a strong performance against Tennessee certainly changes things. Beck looked a whole lot more comfortable and Georgia moved the ball effectively. A great game plan from Bobo to keep the season alive.

4. Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham

Not many this season expected Arizona State-Kansas State to have serious implications. Even Dillingham admitted the Sun Devils are ahead of schedule in the rebuild, being 7-2 heading into the matchup.

Now, ASU is 8-2 thanks to a road victory. Three forced turnovers and nearly 400 yards of offense have Dillingham continuing to stack up impressive wins in Tempe.

5. New Mexico HC Bronco Mendenhall

This is saying something but upset of the day may belong to New Mexico. A ranked Washington State team came to town and left with a second loss of the season. A huge win for Mendenhall as he attempts things rolling in Albuquerque.

New Mexico had not beaten a ranked team since 2003 or at home since 1994. Mendenhall was out of coaching for two seasons but has returned to make a big statement with the Lobos.

6. South Carolina HC Shane Beamer

A pair of ranked teams faced off in Columbia, SC, potentially having CFP implications. The home team wound up going home happy after a great South Carolina performance.

Beamer was beaming following the win, talking about the culture his program has built. A complete victory for the Gamecocks in what has become a sneaky rivalry inside the SEC.

7. Stanford HC Troy Taylor

Year One in the ACC and Taylor’s second year have gone poorly for Stanford, entering the weekend 1-5. Brutal trips across the country certainly do not help and Louisville was the latest destination.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Cardinal were able to get a win. Emmet Kenney hit a 52-yard field goal with one second remaining after Louisville was driving the other way.