The Group of Five is undergoing a renaissance as teams enter the expanded College Football Playoff age. In the 12-team format, a non-power champion is guaranteed a trip to the postseason and a serious shot at playing for a national championship.
That said, the Group of Five has changed dramatically over the past five years. Historically, the American Athletic Conference has dominated the Group of Five New Year's Six spot. Three of the five teams that earned bids from that league are now playing in the Big 12. Conference USA had a number of competitive teams; many now play in the AAC. The balance of power has shifted dramatically and there's no telling how the CFP Committee will view the changes.
Ultimately though, nature abhors a vacuum, so powers are assuredly soon to rise. Two years ago, Tulane beat USC 46-45 in the Cotton Bowl. Boise State has wins over Arizona and Oklahoma in major bowl games. Every program at the Group of Five level is dreaming of that opportunity, to pick off a game in the postseason against a major opponent and prove that they belong.
Here are six teams from the Group of Five level who have a chance to make some noise in 2024, including one which just might play spoiler.
Boise State
The Broncos have been a popular preseason pick for the College Football Playoff, and for good reason. Boise State boasts perhaps the top offensive and defensive players in the conference, along with a stacked team and innovative coaching staff. Running back Ashton Jeanty is a name to know after posting 1,916 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns during a breakout sophom*ore campaign. Defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein posted 12.5 sacks to rank among the national returners. Boise State is good enough not just to win the Mountain West, but to compete in a potential 5-12 CFP showdown. There are multiple future NFL players on this team.
Power Four teams on schedule: at Oregon (Sept. 7)
Memphis
The Tigers have struggled to reach national contention since Mike Norvell left after the 2019 season, but Ryan Silverfield just might have his best team yet. Quarterback Seth Henigan is seasoned after multiple years in the system and receivers Roc Taylor and Demeer Blanku*msee combined for nearly 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. If the defense takes a step forward, this is perhaps the Group of Five team best positioned to beat a power conference opponent in the College Football Playoff.
Power Four teams on schedule: at Florida State (Sept. 14)
Appalachian State
The Mountaineers won 10 games in four of their first five seasons after transitioning up from the FCS level, but have reached the mark only once under coach Shawn Clark. With any luck, Appalachian State can get back to that mark in 2024. Ultimately, the non-conference slate gives App State a chance to make or break its resume. A road game against Clemson could spell trouble, but a home game against Liberty could give App a leg up against other Group of Five contenders. Returning quarterback Joey Aguilar is one of the most underrated signal-callers in the nation, which gives this team a chance.
Power Four teams on schedule: at Clemson (Sept. 7)
UNLV
The Rebels lost quarterback Jayden Maiava to USC, but don't sell your stock quite yet. UNLV returns plenty of big-time talent and is waiting in the wings should Boise State stumble. Wide receiver Ricky White III posted 88 catches for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns last season to rank among the best in the nation. With multiple key rushers back, Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense has plenty to work with. Plus, Barry Odom's defense features two preseason All-MWC selections and should noticeably improve. UNLV plays three Power Four teams this season, which does not include an October game at Oregon State.
Power Four teams on schedule: at Houston (Aug. 31), at Kansas (Sept. 14), vs. Syracuse (Oct. 5)
Liberty
The Flames earned a trip to the New Year's Six one year ago and have another opportunity in 2024. Star quarterback Kaiden Salter and running back Quinton Cooley make for far and away the most lethal backfield combo in Conference USA. Liberty has a serious chance to go 26-0 over two regular seasons. However, the only thing holding them back will be perception of the schedule. There are few major tests, outside of a road trip against Appalachian State on Sept. 28. Will it be enough to impress the College Football Playoff committee, especially after getting wasted 45-6 by Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl? It remains to be seen.
Power Four teams on schedule: None
South Florida
The Bulls probably aren't a playoff contender, but South Florida is positioned perfectly to ruin some seasons. Of course, there are the nonconference games against Alabama and Miami, the latter of which is at home. Then in conference play, USF hosts Memphis and travels to Tulane, two other teams that hope to play for an AAC championship. Quarterback Byrum Brown is one of the most dynamic players in college football after leading the team with more than 4,000 total yards and 37 touchdowns and has the ability to explode at any time.
Power Four teams on schedule: at Alabama (Sept. 7), vs. Miami (Sept. 21)
