The five biggest disasters of this college football season

Key Points:

• Texas A&M, with a $45–50 million roster budget, is struggling at 3-3, showing decline in quarterback performance and defense, and facing internal conflicts, leading to a wasted season despite high spending.
• Penn State, spending $29–32 million, is also 3-3 after a delayed coaching hire disrupted recruiting and staffing, resulting in a weak roster and poor quarterback play, making this season largely unproductive.
• Louisville, with a $22–25 million budget, has squandered a talented roster by losing three close games due to penalties and turnovers, diminishing their chances in the ACC despite strong yardage stats.
• Tulane, a Group of 6 team with a smaller budget, is underperforming at 2-3 after a coaching change from a successful predecessor, failing to find a quarterback and not contending for the American Conference or playoff berth.
• Washington, spending $21–25 million, is 3-3 with a weak offensive line and poor defensive performance, highlighted by a heavy loss to Iowa, marking a steep fall from their recent national championship appearance.