Not every college athlete has the opportunity to suit up for the bluebloods of the sport. As a result, we have the Group of 5 in college football. The Power 4, now, is made up of the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, and Atlantic Coast Conference.
“Below” that, you have the Group of 5: Mid-American Conference, Conference USA, Sun Belt Conference, American Athletic Conference, and Mountain West Conference. Heading into 2024, the College Football Playoff is expanding to 12, so at least one Group of 5 program will get the right to duke it out on the field for the National Championship.
Ranking College Football’s Group of 5
1. Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference has emerged as the top Group of 5 conference this season. Boise State’s impressive run and Air Force’s stifling defense has highlighted the conference’s competitiveness. Fresno State, UNLV, and Wyoming have also made their mark, showcasing the depth of the Mountain West.
The conference’s success can be attributed to strong coaching, talented players, and a commitment to developing competitive programs. Fresno State’s Mikey Keene and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty have been standouts, showcasing their skills on a national stage. The Mountain West’s ability to attract and retain top talent has been crucial to its rise.
2. American Athletic Conference (AAC)
The American Athletic Conference (AAC) features some of the strongest Group of Five teams, led by Tulane and Memphis. Tulane’s high-powered offense and improved defense have made them a contender for a New Year’s Six bowl game, while Memphis’ explosive offense, led by Seth Henigan, has continued its tradition of success.
However, inconsistencies among other AAC teams have prevented the conference from ranking higher. UCF’s departure to the Big 12 was a blow, but the conference has maintained its competitiveness. UTSA and USF have shown flashes of brilliance, but their inability to maintain consistency has held them back.
The AAC’s strength lies in its ability to produce NFL-caliber talent, with players like Tulane’s Tyjae Spears and Memphis’ Quindell Johnson showcased their skills on a weekly basis and made it to the next level. The conference’s commitment to player development has been a key factor in its success.
3. Sun Belt Conference
The Sun Belt Conference has been one of the most exciting Group of 5 conferences this past season with notable upsets over Power 4 opponents like Baylor (Texas State). Appalachian State, Troy, and James Madison have all been impressive, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the conference.
What sets the Sun Belt apart is its more competitive bottom tier compared to other Group of 5 conferences. Teams like Georgia State and Louisiana have shown the ability to push their higher-ranked opponents, making every game a challenge for the conference’s elite teams. This depth has been a key factor in the Sun Belt’s rise.
The conference’s success can be attributed to strong coaching, talented players, and a commitment to developing competitive programs. Appalachian State’s Joey Aguilar and Texas State’s Jordan McCloud (from James Madison) have showcased their skills on a national stage, highlighting the conference’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
4. Conference USA
Liberty’s nearly undefeated record and offensive prowess have been the highlights of Conference USA.. The Flames, led by Kaidon Salter, have been a revelation, with their high-powered offense and opportunistic defense making them a contender for another New Year’s Six bowl game.
However, inconsistencies among other Conference USA teams have held the conference back. Sam Houston, a preseason favorite, has struggled to find consistency, while Western Kentucky and UAB have been up and down. This lack of depth has been a significant factor in Conference USA’s lower ranking.
The conference’s strength lies in its ability to produce talented players, with Liberty’s Salter and Sam Houston’s Zach Hrbacek showcasing their skills. However, the conference’s inability to maintain consistency among its top teams has been an obstacle to its success.
5. Mid-American Conference (MAC)
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) features strong teams like Miami of Ohio and Toledo, known for their defensive and offensive capabilities. Ohio’s high-powered offense and improved defense, formerly led by Kurtis Rourke, have made them a contender for a MAC championship, while Toledo’s explosive offense, led by Tucker Gleason, has continued its tradition of success.
However, the MAC’s lack of depth is evident, with a significant number of lower-ranked teams impacting its overall competitiveness. Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, and Northern Illinois have struggled to find consistency, holding the conference back.
Overall, the Mountain West Conference has emerged as the top Group of 5 conference this season, showcasing a combination of strong teams and impressive individual performances. The AAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, and MAC have also made their mark, with each conference offering unique strengths and challenges. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these conferences continue to evolve and compete for national recognition.
