With the newly expanded College Football Playoff to 12 teams and the top 5 ranked conference champions getting automatic bids, it means that the highest ranked Group of Five conference champion will be included in this year’s CFP.
With Liberty one of the favorites to contend for this spot, we will be providing a weekly CFP Watch and power rankings of the top five teams in consideration for this G5 spot for as long as the Flames are in contention.
Here are our preseason G5 CFP Power Rankings
5. Tulane (0-0, American)
The Green Wave is expected to compete at the top of the AAC once again this season despite losing their head coach and starting quarterback. Jon Sumrall from Troy takes over and he brought in Oregon transfer quarterback Ty Thompson who is expected to lead the offense. Tulane has the tough strength of schedule it will need to be in the mix if they can have a special season. Their schedule includes No. 18 Kansas State, No. 16 Oklahoma, and a regular season finale against Memphis.
Next game: Thursday, August 29 vs SE Louisiana, 8 p.m., ESPN+
4. Texas State (0-0, Sun Belt)
Head coach GJ Kinne helped revitalize Texas State immediately last season. Entering 2024, many expect the Bobcats to compete for a Sun Belt title. JMU quarterback Jordan McCloud has transferred to Texas State and is hoping to pick up where he left off for the Dukes last season. Texas State has tough games against UTSA and Arizona State out of conference and has to play at Sun Belt West contender Troy.
Next game: Saturday, August 31 vs Lamar, 8 p.m., ESPN+
3. Liberty (0-0, CUSA)
The Flames would have been the G5 representative last year if the CFP had already expanded to 12 teams. At 13-0, Liberty was the highest ranked G5 conference champ and earned a bid to the New Year’s Six. Head coach Jamey Chadwell is back, as is quarterback Kaidon Salter and several other key pieces from last year’s team. The biggest hurdles Liberty will have to overcome is the weak strength of the schedule and the final score of last year’s Fiesta Bowl against Oregon.
Next game: Saturday, August 31 vs Campbell, 6 p.m., ESPN+
2. Boise State (0-0, Mountain West)
The Broncos have 18 starters returning, including standout running back Ashton Jeanty. Maddux Madsen is the surprise pick to start at quarterback over USC transfer Malachi Nelson. Boise State has a very tough schedule, including a game at No. 3 Oregon in Week 2 and games against what’s left of the Pac-2 in Washington State and Oregon State. If they can successfully navigate their schedule, including a tough slate in the Mountain West, Boise State will be in the running for the CFP at the end of the season.
Next game: Saturday, August 31 at Georgia Southern, 4 p.m., ESPNU
1. Memphis (0-0, American)
Seth Henigan returns at quarterback and has several weapons at his disposal in what is expected to be a very prolific offense. Memphis does have to play at No. 10 Florida State and former head coach Mike Norvell. The Tigers also face Sun Belt contender Troy early in the season, as well as going up against the top AAC challengers in South Florida and Tulane.
Next game: Saturday, August 31 vs North Alabama, 7 p.m., ESPN+
