NCAAF · 2 months ago

10 Group of Five Teams That Could Crash the College Football Playoffs

Sammy Jacobs

Host · Writer

10. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Louisiana is one of the favorites in the Sun Belt, and it could set up a “win and in” scenario in December in the Sun Belt title game. A Week 3 game at Missouri may build or destroy Playoff dreams. The Ragin’ Cajuns have to travel to James Madison as well in what could be a Sun Belt championship game preview.

Louisiana’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +2500
1. Boise State Broncos
The Broncos were the Group of Five’s representative last season after going 12-1 and claiming the Mountain West title. Boise State returns Maddux Madsen, but loses All-American running back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL. Boise State has some chances to gain some eye balls with a Thursday night opener at South Florida and a six matchup at Notre Dame. A win over the Irish will all but clinch a CFP spot.
2. Tulane Green Wave
Tulane added a big-time quarterback late in the cycle, and maybe with a bit of luck. Jake Retzlaff comes over from BYU. Tulane also has Brendan Sullivan, a former transfer from Iowa and Northwestern. The Green Wave have three shots at Power Four opponents (Northwestern, Duke, and at Ole Miss). Win two of those three games, and Tulane will have an argument as the highest-rated G5 team.

Tulane’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +750
3. Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers were turned away from the Big XII again this summer, but they do have a path to the Playoff in 2025. As one of the favorites of the AAC, they have a great shot. The Tigers get a winnable home game against SEC foe Arkansas on September 20 and host Tulane on November 7. Win both of those games, and the Tigers should be in the Top 25.

Memphis’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +825
4. Liberty Flames
Liberty is always a hot pick to be the best G5 team. However, CUSA isn’t exactly heavy-hitting in 2025. Liberty does not get a Power Four opponent either and will have to rely on matchups with James Madison and Old Dominion. Liberty will need to go undefeated and have a good strength-of-record.

Liberty’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1000
5. James Madison Dukes
James Madison has a more straightforward path to the Playoff. It won’t be easy, but it’s clear what they need to do. The Dukes won nine games last season in Bob Chesney’s first season. This year, they get road games at Louisville and Liberty while hosting Washington State. Win at Louisville, and they have a marquee win over a P4 school, and should move up the rankings.

James Madison’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1300
6. Army Black Knights
Army won the AAC last season and will be a dark horse to win it again. The AAC is the strongest G5 league as well. Army gets a shot at Power Four opponent Kansas State in Week 2 as they travel to Manhattan. The Black Knights will also have to travel to Tulane and Air Force. And their game against Navy is after the selection for the Playoff.

Army’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1500
7. UTSA Roadrunners
UTSA has quietly become one of the better Group of Five teams recently, but has not capitalized on it with a Playoff berth. 2025 could be a chance to cash in. However, their shot could end quickly as the Roadrunners play at Texas A&M in the opener. UTSA also hosts both Tulane and Army.

UTSA’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1600
8. UNLV Rebels
UNLV welcomes Dan Mullen as its new head coach. Will there be a drop-off or step-up in performance? The Rebels have a chance to make some noise early with a game against UCLA. They will have the opportunity to impact the G5 Playoff race one way or another with an October 18 trip to Boise State.

UNLV’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1800
9. Toledo Rockets
Who wants MACtion in the College Football Playoff?. Toledo, the MAC favorite, has two significant opportunities to make their mark, with an opening game at SEC foe Kentucky and a date at Washington State on October 25. Western Kentucky could also be a feather in the cap.

Toledo’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +1800
10. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Louisiana is one of the favorites in the Sun Belt, and it could set up a “win and in” scenario in December in the Sun Belt title game. A Week 3 game at Missouri may build or destroy Playoff dreams. The Ragin’ Cajuns have to travel to James Madison as well in what could be a Sun Belt championship game preview.

Louisiana’s 2025 Odds to Make the CFP: +2500
1. Boise State Broncos
The Broncos were the Group of Five’s representative last season after going 12-1 and claiming the Mountain West title. Boise State returns Maddux Madsen, but loses All-American running back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL. Boise State has some chances to gain some eye balls with a Thursday night opener at South Florida and a six matchup at Notre Dame. A win over the Irish will all but clinch a CFP spot.

10 Group of Five Teams That Could Crash the College Football Playoffs

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