Dodd Trophy Releases 2025 Midseason Watch List

 ATLANTA (Oct. 22, 2025) – The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. immediately launched the midseason watch listing for the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank. This 12 months’s listing contains 24 of the nation’s prime school soccer coaches representing all Power Four conferences, in addition to the AAC and an impartial.
 
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and introduced by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, school soccer’s most coveted nationwide teaching award, celebrates the pinnacle coach of a group who enjoys success on the gridiron, whereas additionally stressing the significance of scholarship, management and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s teaching philosophy. Now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this season, the award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (previously Division 1A) head soccer coach whose program represents the very best beliefs on and off the sphere.
 
The watch listing was created by a range course of by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., bearing in mind every program’s commencement price, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), dedication to service and charity in the neighborhood, on-field success up to now for the 2025 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
 
Coaches within the first 12 months with their present groups weren’t included as they’re ineligible to obtain The Dodd Trophy till their second 12 months with their packages.
 
“The first half of the 2025 season has already delivered thrilling competition and strong performances from coaches and players alike,” mentioned Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. “Those named to our midseason list have not only guided their teams to success, but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and community involvement.”
 
The 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank Midseason Watch List:
 

 
This 12 months’s midseason watch listing encompasses a collective group of coaches who’ve led their groups to 1,813 wins, 27 convention titles and three nationwide championships all through their collegiate careers. It additionally contains two earlier Dodd Trophy winners with Marcus Freeman (2024) and Brian Kelly (2018).
 
The SEC leads all conferences with 10 coaches named to the midseason watch listing, adopted by the Big Ten, the Big 12 and the ACC, who every have 4 representatives. The AAC additionally options one coach, and Notre Dame represents the only impartial establishment. 
 
“During what is The Dodd Trophy’s 50th anniversary season, this group of coaches continues to embody the values that make college football and this award so special,” mentioned Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and president. “Each of them has achieved success where it matters most – by guiding their student-athletes to excel in competition, in academics and most importantly, in life, which is the true spirit of Coach Dodd.”
 
“The Dodd Trophy stands apart by honoring the full extent of a coach’s impact on their players, schools and communities,” mentioned Samantha Jones, PNC regional president for Georgia. “It’s a powerful reminder that success is measured not only by wins, but by the character and integrity of those who lead. As presenting sponsor, PNC Bank is honored to support an award that continues to elevate these principles in college football and beyond.”
 
A panel consisting of earlier winners, nationwide media, a member of the Dodd household and a College Football Hall of Fame member will determine the ultimate listing of potential recipients on the conclusion of the 2025 season. The winner of the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will probably be introduced in Atlanta throughout the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal on the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.