Following the conclusion of week 4 of the 2023 football season, here are our updated power rankings for CUSA.

Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.

1. Liberty (4-0, 2-0) #60
   no change

This week: W, 38-6 @ FIU

Liberty continues to look very strong in the early part of the season under first year head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Flames remain as the only unbeaten team remaining in the conference

Next up: Bye

2. Jacksonville State (3-1, 1-0) #98
  3

This week: W, 21-0 vs Eastern Michigan

The Gamecocks seem to be one of the top teams in CUSA this season, their first year at the FBS level. JSU took care of business against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, scoring a touchdown in each of the first three quarters to race to the win at home.

Next up: Thursday, Sep. 28 @ Sam Houston, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU

3. Western Kentucky (2-2, 0-0) #88
  1

This week: L, 27-24 @ Troy

The Hilltoppers had a chance to pick up a nice, non-conference win on the road against one of the Sun Belt favorites, Troy. The Trojans got an early lead and held off a late WKU rally to preserve the win. Western Kentucky is clearly one of the better teams in the CUSA despite having yet to play a league game. That changes this week when WKU hosts Middle Tennessee.

Next up: Thursday, Sep. 28 vs Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

4. Middle Tennessee (1-3, 0-0) #109
  1

This week: L, 31-23 vs Colorado State

Middle Tennessee stayed within striking distance of Colorado State until the final whistle blew. The Blue Raiders cut the lead to 8 with 6:34 left in the game with a touchdown. MTSU then drove to the Colorado State 32 yard line with seven seconds to play when QB Nicholas Vattiato was sacked.

Next up: Thursday, Sep. 28 @ Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

5. FIU (3-2, 0-2) #133
  1

This week: L, 38-6 vs Liberty

The Panthers saw their momentum gained with three straight wins come crashing to a halt on Saturday evening. The Panthers fell at home, 38-6, to the visiting Flames. FIU now enters the bye week before looking to get in the win column in CUSA play.

Next up: Bye

6. Sam Houston (0-3, 0-0) #122
   no change

This week: L, 38-7 @ Houston

Sam Houston has played a very challenging schedule through the first month of the season, with games against BYU, Air Force, and Houston. The Bearkats continue to struggle on the offensive side of the ball, having scored 10 total points in three games. Sam Houston did pick up their first touchdown of the year against Houston.

Next up: Thursday, Sep. 28 vs Jacksonville State, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU

7. New Mexico State (2-3, 0-1) #110
   no change

This week: L, 20-17 @ Hawaii

The Aggies made the trek to Hawaii this week but were unable to hang on to a 17-3 first half lead. Hawaii kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired to conclude the win.

Next up: Bye

8. Louisiana Tech (2-3, 1-0) #114
   no change

This week: L, 28-14 @ Nebraska

Louisiana Tech lost its 16th straight road game over the past four seasons, falling at Nebraska on Saturday. Jack Turner made his first career start in place of Hank Bachmeier, who injured his right throwing shoulder in the second half against North Texas last week. Turner was 27 of 42 for 292 yards.

Next up: Friday, Sep. 29 @ UTEP, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN

9. UTEP (1-4, 0-1) #125
   no change

This week: L, 45-28 vs UNLV

The Miners were unable to overcome a program record four rushing touchdowns by UNLV’s freshman running back.

Next up: Friday, Sep. 29 vs Louisiana Tech, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN