The 2023 football season has begun in full with the completion of Week 1 that included all Conference USA teams in action. Here are our updated power rankings for CUSA, and we will be updating these weekly during the season.

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

1. Western Kentucky (1-0, 0-0) #70
   no change

This week: W, 41-24 vs South Florida

The Hilltoppers got off to a slow start but outscored the Bulls, 24-7, in the second half to pull away for the season opening win. Last season’s FBS passing yards leader, Austin Reed, threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as he completed 29 of 50 passes for 336 yards.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 vs Houston Christian, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+

2. Liberty (1-0, 0-0) #95
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This week: W, 34-24 vs Bowling Green

The Flames jumped out to a huge 24-0 lead over Bowling Green late in the second quarter, but a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown made this game interesting heading into the second half. Starting QB Kaidon Salter had a solid debut, not recording a turnover, while the Liberty defense picked off 5 Bowling Green passes to secure the victory.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 vs New Mexico State, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+

3. Jacksonville State (2-0, 1-0) #104
  3

This week: W, 49-3 vs ETSU

The Gamecocks have gotten off to a terrific start in their FBS tenure. They held ETSU to 204 yards while cruising to a victory. Logan Smothers completed 13 of 17 passes for 127 yards in the win while Jacksonville State rushed for 237 yards. A nice test looms this weekend on the road for JSU.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 @ Coastal Carolina, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+

4. Middle Tennessee (0-1, 0-0) #106
  1

This week: L, 56-7 @ Alabama

It’s difficult to read much out of the season opener for the Blue Raiders, as they took on Alabama. There’s obviously a sizable talent and depth gap there and, not surprisingly, the score indicated that. MTSU stays in the SEC with a game at Missouri this week.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 @ Missouri, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+

5. Sam Houston (0-1, 0-0) #118
  3

This week: L, 14-0 @ BYU

The Bearkats made their FBS debut with a strong showing against the Big 12’s BYU. Sam Houston fell behind 7-0 early in the first quarter, but there wasn’t anymore scoring until the 4th quarter. BYU’s Kedon Slovins completed 20 of 33 passes for 145 yards and also had two rushing touchdowns. Sam Houston’s Keegan Shoemaker was 18 of 33 passing for 147 yards but had 3 interceptions. The Bearkats were held to 38 yards rushing.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 vs Air Force, 8:00 p.m., CBS Sports Network

6. UTEP (1-1, 0-1) #120
  2

This week: W, 28-14 vs Incarnate Word

UTEP trailed 7-0 and 14-7 in the first half against FCS Incarnate Word. The score was tied at 14 at the break, and the Miners scored 21 straight points to secure the win. Gavin Hardison threw two touchdown passes while Deion Hankins had 174 rushing yards. The Miners had 329 yards rushing on 50 carries and finished with 423 total yards.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9, @ Northwestern, 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network

7. Louisiana Tech (1-1, 1-0) #117
  2

This week: L, 38-14 @ SMU

The newest members of the ACC (though that doesn’t go into affect this season), SMU jumped out to a commanding 31-0 halftime lead and cruised in the second half to the victory over Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs were outgained 457-269 and had just 28 rushing yards. Hank Bachmeier was sacked six times. He did complete 21 of 33 passes for 241 yards which included a 53-yard score to Koby Duru.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9, vs Northwestern State, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+

8. New Mexico State (1-1, 0-0) #119
  1

This week: W, 58-21 vs Western Illinois

The final score is not indicative to how this game played. New Mexico State outscored Western Illinois, 38-7- in the second half after entering the halftime break sporting only a 20-14 advantage. Diego Pavia completed 16 of 20 passes for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns. Star Thomas gained 96 yards on the ground on his 12 rush attempts.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 @ Liberty, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+

9. FIU (1-1, 0-1) #133
  2

This week: W, 14-12 vs Maine

The Panthers led throughout against FCS Maine on Saturday evening, but they never got much separation. QB Keyone Jenkins completed 15 of 30 passes for 292 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. The rushing attack was held to just 13 yards on 24 carries.

Next up: Saturday, Sep. 9 vs North Texas, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+