I listened to Chris Low on the Nation tonight.
Based on what he is hearing, he would rule out Kiffin and Freeze. That was the clearest message from his discussion.
AP asked him who the "home run" candidate would be, and the first name he said was James Franklin. Long discussion of what he would bring to the table.
Next mentioned was Campbell, but said he didn't think he would leave the Midwest, very short mention.
Next discussed at length was PJ Fleck, really talked him up.
Briefly namechecked Billy Napier.
Lastly went on for some time about Tony Elliott.
Now it's worth mentioning that he never said "I am hearing these names" when discussing Franklin, Fleck, and Elliott, like he did when ruling out Freeze and Kiffin. But to the extent we believe Chris Low may be real plugged into this search, those three seem to be the most likely. I hope my reading of the tea leaves is wrong and we get hit with the swerve of Matt Campbell.