Is Wisconsin college football's best available head coaching job?

In replies to the poll, voters mentioned location and proximity to recruits as well as recent and historic success as criteria for "best available" head coaching opening.

In terms of location, Madison, WI was ranked the 17th-best place to live in the United States, per a 2022 U.S.News and World Report ranking. Taking numerous factors into account—job market, median home value, quality of life, etc.—the publication gave Madison a slight edge over Lincoln, NE, home of Nebraska University.

Wisconsin's recent success may give it another edge. The Badgers ranked as the ninth-winningest team from the 2010s, per Sports Illustrated. No other team in Kanell’s poll can match—or come close to—Wisconsin’s .750 winning percentage or four top-10 finishes in the AP poll in that decade.

Wisconsin does not have the historic success of Nebraska or Georgia Tech, but it does have a winning record in bowls and a 731-509-53 all-time record. The Badgers also trail only Nebraska in consensus All-Americans (54 to 32) and Heisman Trophy winners (three to two).

Wisconsin doesn't have access in-state to many high-level recruits. In the past five years, the state of Wisconsin has produced only 10 4-star prospects and zero 5-star prospects, per 247sports. This pales in comparison to Arizona’s 27 4-star prospects and three 5-star prospects in the past five recruiting cycles. Nebraska has produced 10 4-star prospects over the same period. 

Georgia Tech sits in a recruiting-rich area, ranked No. 3 by 247Sports in 2021, but SEC and ACC powers mine most of the state's top talent.

Despite a lack of high-end talent in the state, the Badgers have had a top-50 recruiting class over the past five seasons, per 247sports, and the No. 16 class in 2021. 

Kanell's poll is all in fun, of course, but Wisconsin seems to have the edge over Georgia Tech, Nebraska and Arizona State as the best available head coaching job.