CBS Sports has published analyses examining key figures in football whose careers have reached pivotal moments that could define their professional legacies.

In college football, the network identified six Power Four conference coaches who face significant challenges in the upcoming season. Among those highlighted is USC head coach Lincoln Riley, whose ability to elevate the Trojans program will be closely scrutinized as he enters a critical phase of his tenure with the university.

The analysis suggests these coaches have reached crossroads in their careers where their future success and reputation will largely depend on their performance in the coming season. Each coach faces unique circumstances and expectations that could significantly impact their standing in college football.

Separately, CBS Sports ranked 15 NFL quarterbacks whose legacy would be fundamentally transformed by winning a Super Bowl championship. The analysis emphasizes that quarterbacks are evaluated more heavily on championship success than players at any other position, making Super Bowl victories particularly crucial for how these players will be remembered.

The quarterbacks identified represent a mix of veteran players and those in different stages of their careers, all united by the fact that a championship would substantially alter the narrative surrounding their professional accomplishments and historical standing in the sport.