Next Indiana: Josh Pate lists candidates for future 'out of nowhere' CFP contender

Indiana University has emerged as a national title contender in college football under the leadership of coach Curt Cignetti, reaching the College Football Playoff championship game against Miami. This unexpected success has prompted analysts to explore which other programs might replicate Indiana's turnaround. Analyst Josh Pate identified Michigan State, Kentucky, and Oklahoma State as potential candidates for future playoff contention, each having made significant coaching changes.

Michigan State hired former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald after a 4-8 season. Pate praised Fitzgerald as an experienced Big Ten coach capable of revitalizing the Spartans, despite not bringing a large group of players or staff from his previous position.

Kentucky replaced longtime coach Mark Stoops with Will Stein, the former offensive coordinator at Oregon, after a 5-7 season. Stein's hiring, along with key player acquisitions like quarterback Kenny Minchey, positions Kentucky to potentially rise in the SEC.

Oklahoma State appointed Eric Morris from North Texas after parting ways with Mike Gundy. Morris brought several