Playoffs? We're talking playoffs?? In Week 0? Well, yes we are! And the major reason why is the shakeup to the postseason with the new 12-team College Football Playoff that gives the Group of Five -- finally -- a seat at the table. It is all they have ever asked for since the beginning.
While we may not see multiple Group of Five teams gain access to the CFP, there's always a possibility based on how teams schedule their nonconference games -- and if they win. Needing to win and win with style, every week matters.
This year is loaded with some fantastic Group of Five teams that are deep, talented and poised to crash the playoff party. We'll track their progress and the race to the postseason here on CBS Sports with our weekly Group of Five Power Rankings.
Group of Five Power Rankings
| 1 |  |
| I absolutely love what Bobcats coach GJ Kinne has done in just his first season at the helm, getting Texas State to its first bowl game in program history and an 8-5 record. They have 18 starters returning, and they are most impressive along the offensive line, where they look like a Power Four team. Adding grad transfer QB Jordan McCloud, who was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year at James Madison last season, helps make them a serious contender to crash the playoff party. | |
| 2 |  |
| QB Kaidon Salter was amazing last year, throwing 32 touchdowns to only six interceptions, while also adding another 1,000 yards on the ground with 12 rushing scores. He's a smooth operator offensively and led the Flames to the Fiesta Bowl last year. Many have them as the odds-on favorite to represent the Group of Five in the CFP. | |
| 3 |  |
| Jon Sumrall takes over the Green Wave after Willie Fritz left for Houston. The cupboard isn't bare in New Orleans, especially at the point of attack. If former Oregon QB Ty Thompson can realize his immense potential, then it'll be shades of 2022 for Tulane. We'll learn a lot about the Green Wave with games vs. Kansas State and Oklahoma in back-to-back weeks in September. | |
| 4 |  |
| Barry Odom's quick turnaround of the UNLV program was impressive. Thanks in part to an opportunistic defense and Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense, the Rebels ran to a 9-5 record and their first bowl appearance in a decade. They made the Mountain West Championship Game against Boise State and will look to avenge that loss on October 26th in Last Vegas. Keep an eye on transfer QB Matthew Sluka, who was a stud at Holy Cross in the FCS. | |
| 5 |  |
| The Broncos have 11 starters returning on a defense that got significantly better down the stretch last season. Armed with one of the best backs in the country in Ashton Jeanty running behind the best offensive line in the conference, it makes sense for Boise State to be a threat to make the CFP. QB will be interesting to watch after Maddux Madsen beat out USC transfer Malachi Nelson for the starting job. | |
| 6 |  |
| How the quarterback position shakes out over the course of the season could determine how far Jeff Traylor's squad goes in 2024. They have a huge Texas two-step in back-to-back weeks vs. Texas State and Texas, both on the road. This team should be even better defensively with seven returning starters; they can really get after the QB. | |
| 7 |  |
| Ten returning starters on an offense that averaged 39 points per game is why many, including myself, are high on the Memphis Tigers. QB Seth Henigan is one of the best passers in the country, and his top two receivers return as well. Defensively, the Tigers need to improve; they can't keep getting into high-stakes shootouts every weekend. Big game on Sept. 14 vs. Florida State and their old coach, Mike Norvell. | |
| 8 |  |
| With arguably the best defense in the Mid-American Conference, the Redhawks welcome back one of the best QBs in the conference as well in Brett Gabbert. As long as he stays healthy, Miami has a chance. A three-game stretch of Northwestern, Cincinnati and Notre Dame to open the season will be a challenge. | |
| 9 |  |
| The Cajuns are flying under the radar heading into the season. They are experienced at QB and along both lines of scrimmage. Add in the return of WR Lance Legendre, and the offense has the potential to be explosive. Louisiana has two important tests in September vs. Tulane and Wake Forest. | |
| 10 |  |
| No one is talking enough about the Mountaineers QB Joey Aguilar, who was lights-out last season. I have no worries about their ability to score, but if they are able to make improvements defensively and play more consistent ball, look out! | |
