There might be more intrigue surrounding the Group of Five this year than any season in the past.
From some of the best players in the country to coaches aiming to build on last season’s magic, there’s no doubt this will be an exciting season for the Group of Five.
Here are a few of the biggest G5 storylines in 2024.
G5 Year 2 Coaches
There were a few coaches that exceeded expectations last year in their first season leading their respective programs. Some of these teams were pleasant surprises such as Barry Odom’s UNLV squad and Texas State with GJ Kinne. Then there were teams like Liberty, who had no problem living up to the hype in Jamey Chadwell’s first season at the helm.
Alex Golesh is entering his second year at South Florida, and college football betting odds currently have the Bulls at +700 to win the AAC. Spencer Danielson is technically in his first season as head coach for Boise State but coached the final five games of the season in an interim role, resurrecting a Broncos squad that wasn’t playing to its potential. Danielson guided Boise State to a Mountain West title and is under a lot of pressure to lead the Broncos to not only another MW championship but to the College Football Playoff. Another second year coach to keep an eye on is Lance Taylor at Western Michigan.
What are expected to be some of the best G5 programs this year are led by second-year coaches. If some of these guys have another strong season, Power Four programs are likely to be on the phones.
How Will the Pac-2 Fare Against the Mountain West?
We all know by now what unfortunately happened to the Pac-12 and what that means for Oregon State and Washington State. They’re now part of a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West. And while, from top to bottom, this is a step down in competition, it’s not going to be smooth sailing for either team.
Both squads play at Boise State while Oregon State has to play at Air Force and versus UNLV. WSU has an easier schedule but still can’t overlook Fresno State or Wyoming. The outcomes of these games could have big implications for the future of these two teams and both conferences.
Jordan McCloud Transfers To Texas State
The reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year transferred but still has the opportunity to repeat as the honoree. The former James Madison signal caller joined the Bobcats after passing for 3,657 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2023. He should continue to thrive in Kinne’s offense.
McCloud’s addition makes the Bobcats one of the favorites to win the Sun Belt and to make the CFP. It is the quarterback’s fourth school in the last four seasons.
The Mountain West’s Elite Playmakers
There’s no shortage of offensive talent in the Mountain West.
A few of these guys have the potential to be All-Americans. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is getting the most hype and is the league’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Then there’s a trio of wide receivers who are among the best in the country — Colorado State’s Tory Holton, UNLV’s Ricky White, and Utah State’s Jalen Royals. They should continue to bring more eyes to the conference while they try to increase their draft stock.
New College Football Playoff Format
The most noteworthy story entering the season is the change to the CFP format, which will transition from four teams to 12 and includes an automatic bid for a Group of Five team. Finally, a G5 program is guaranteed a spot in the postseason format and an opportunity to compete for a national championship.
This has been a long time coming for the G5 conferences. I know whoever is the first G5 representative in this new format will make G5 advocates proud.
