As we start to move into the meat of conference play and the 2024 season, it’s time to update our Conference USA Power Rankings once again.

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

1. Jacksonville State #83 (4-3, 3-0)
  2

This week: W, 42-20 vs Middle Tennessee

The Gamecocks continue rolling, having won four straight games since opening the year with three straight losses. Of course, those wins have come against some of the worst teams in the FBS. Competition ramps up this week against the defending champs on the road.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 30 @ Liberty, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network

2. Western Kentucky #84 (5-2, 3-0)
   no change

This week: OPEN

The Hilltoppers had an open week and now they return to action taking on Kennesaw State Owls in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 30 vs Kennesaw State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

3. Sam Houston #93 (6-2, 3-1)
  1

This week: W, 10-7 @ FIU

Sam Houston was able to overcome an injury to their starting quarterback, who missed all of this past week’s game at FIU. The Bearkats benefited from a Jaylon Jimmerson blocked punt which set up a short field, allowing the visitors to get on the scoreboard first.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 29 vs Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m., ESPNU

4. Liberty #98 (5-1, 3-1)
  3

This week: L, 27-24 @ Kennesaw State

Liberty suffered its first setback of the season and the first in the regular season under second year head coach Jamey Chadwell, falling at Kennesaw State on Wednesday night. How will the Flames respond to this loss?

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 30 vs Jacksonville State, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network

5. Louisiana Tech #117 (3-4, 2-2)
  1

This week: W, 14-10 vs UTEP

The Bulldogs held on for a close win on Tuesday night at home over UTEP. Freshman QB Evan Bullock threw for 248 yards and a touchdown.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 29 @ Sam Houston, 8 p.m., ESPNU

6. New Mexico State #132 (2-5, 1-3)
  1

This week: OPEN

The Aggies did not play this week as they now prepare to head to Miami to take on FIU.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 29 @ FIU, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network

7. Kennesaw State #133 (1-6, 1-2)
  3

This week: W, 27-24 vs Liberty

Wow, quite the surprise win for Kennesaw State over Liberty. For them to pick up their first win of the FBS era against an unbeaten Liberty team is quite eye-catching. Will they be able to ride this momentum moving forward?

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 30 @ Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

8. FIU #116 (2-6, 1-3)
   no change

This week: L, 10-7 vs Sam Houston

The Panthers were nearly able to pull off the upset over Sam Houston at home on Tuesday night, but inconsistent play on offense did them in.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 29 vs New Mexico State, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network

9. UTEP #129 (1-7, 1-4)
  2

This week: L, 14-10 @ Louisiana Tech

The Miners nearly won back-to-back games by going on the road and knocking off La Tech. Ultimately, they came up short and fell to 1-7 on the season.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 2 vs Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

10. Middle Tennessee #131 (2-6, 1-3)
  1

This week: L, 42-20 @ Jacksonville State

The Blue Raiders were upended by the Jax State Gamecocks on Wednesday night. Middle Tennessee kept it close in the first half, trailing 14-10 at the break, but Jax State scored 21 points in the third quarter to create the separation needed.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 2 @ UTEP, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network