Identifying the struggling programs at the bottom of the college football landscape involves examining multi-year performance trends, talent retention metrics, and strength of schedule disadvantages across the Football Bowl Subdivision. Historically, programs undergoing intense rebuilding phases or operating with constrained athletic department resources—such as select lower-tier mid-major independents or conference bottom-dwellers—frequently occupy the lowest positions in computer power ratings like ESPN's SP+. These teams often battle through challenging autumn schedules while striving to establish competitive stability and develop younger roster talent for future campaigns.