FAVORITE TEAMS

C-USA will look drastically different…and small. However, this could be an interesting conference that probably no one would expect except the fans, alumni, and former players of their respective programs. Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and Louisiana Tech (if they can bounce back) should still represent the program, but new faces to the FBS like Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State have their fair share of success, including Sam Houston State winning their FCS championship 2 years ago. Jacksonville State is led by Rich Rodriguez in his return to FBS level. The Gamecocks are also no stranger to FBS competition, including an upset over Florida State. Liberty moves from the Independent to the Group of 5 after proving that they can compete at the FBS level for five seasons with no losing record. New Mexico State can build off their 7-6 season at C-USA and finally make a name for themselves, but they must prepare for stiffer competition. UTEP must bounce back while FIU must find their way out of C-USA’s cellar.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS

The Hilltoppers had a good season despite not playing for a conference championship. The offense returns key players, including Austin Reed and Malachi Corley along with Ohio State transfer Blue Smith. Defense might need some time to retool after losing plenty from last season, but the backend will be the strength led by Upton Stout and Kendrick Simpkins. They should push for the C-USA conference championship appearance, if their defense can stay consistent. They automatically suffer a loss to Ohio State, but they have at least two toss up games against Troy and Liberty. A 10-win season is possible.

LIBERTY FLAMES

Liberty and new coach Jamey Chadwell (from Coastal Carolina) arrive at C-USA with potential to play for a conference championship in their first season. Despite a few changes on their roster and coaching staff, they should still be balanced enough to produce success. However, the quarterback position must be figured out, but all signs point to Johnathan Bennett earning the start again this season. Defensive back Kobe Singleton leads a group that should be good once again, although the front four may need a little work after losing playmakers last season. Liberty has by far the easiest schedule out of the entire conference with just Mid Tenn and Western Kentucky as toss ups. Like Western Kentucky, Liberty should potentially win 10 games and play for a conference title.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS

The Blue Raiders have a decent defense led by defensive end Zaylin Wood and defensive backs Teldrick Ross and Tra Fluellen. The offense faces questions, including the quarterback position. Nick Vattiato is the starting quarterback and proved himself in a bowl game against San Diego State despite throwing an interception and no touchdowns. Hopefully, the offensive line improves because they didn’t give Vattiato time or comfort in the pocket. The early non-conference schedule will show no mercy to the program, but they could still make bowl-eligibility and get a leg up for a conference title opportunity if the offense puts the pieces together.

LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS

Quarterback Hank Bachmeier arrives from Boise State and could help the team return to a bowl game after an abysmal three seasons. COVID may have affected La Tech because they won 11 games in three seasons. Prior to that, they averaged at least nine wins per season since 2014. That was by far their best run since their inception in 1975. Defense must improve and hopefully recent transfers help that process. Outside of defensive end Deshon Hall, someone must make an impact across the depth chart. If La Tech makes those improvements and Bachmeier stays healthy for an entire season, they could sneak their way into a conference championship game.

NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

The Aggies had no business winning seven games last season, but quarterback Diego Pavia’s presence and grit led to five wins in the last six games that net them not only bowl eligibility, but a bowl win too. They could repeat, but the offense and Pavia must improve to appear in their second straight bowl since 1959 and 1960. However, defense must fill some spots to give them the opportunity. The early schedule gives them hope and time, but they must clear things up before mid-October.

JACKSONVILLE STATE GAMECOCKS

Jacksonville State jumps to the FBS level, and this could make for an interesting debut. The program has a long history of winning since their inception in 1904 to last season when they went 9-2, which coach Rich Rodriguez coached in his first season with them. Rich Rod also had success before his a 5-year hiatus after 2017. The Gamecocks bring in some well-rounded players on both sides, but they face tougher competition than they did in the FCS. Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina will welcome them. However, if Appalachian State and Liberty can prosper, so too can Jacksonville State. The good news is that quarterback Zion Webb is eligible to play his seventh and final season of football.

UTEP MINERS

After posting seven wins in 2021 to finally escape the C-USA cellar, they went right back in with five wins. They had two chances to win six games but lost those by a total of 10 points. They return plenty of players on both sides, including quarterback Gavin Hardison, defensive end Praise Amaewhule, and linebacker Tyrice Knight. Defense might be the theme of this season, but they must cut down on points allowed after allowing 27 per game. The offense is okay, but the offensive line is the strength and must anchor the team hoping the rest of the offense can turn up the tempo to score more points. More than 50% of their matchups are 50/50, so it’s up to UTEP to further improve their overall roster to make some noise in the conference.

SAM HOUSTON STATE BEARKATS

The Bearkats jump to the FBS level after being two years removed from being FCS Champions. Willie Fritz (Tulane coach) started their run of success in 2011, and the continual success was followed up with current coach K.C. Keeler. However, the program’s performance was subpar despite finishing the season 5-4. Defense did their job, but the offense was subpar last season. They averaged 18.3 points per game and must improve if they want to survive FBS competition. Keeler doesn’t have much to work with against with a challenging 2023 schedule. It’s fair to say that they need a season of acclimation unless the offense steadily improves by October.

FIU PANTHERS

The struggles continue for the program in the city of Miami. FIU hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2018 nor have they won the conference since 2010 in the Sun Belt. Even then, they’ve struggled to win consistently on a yearly basis. To make things worse, a few key players either transferred out or were injured during the offseason. Quarterback Grayson James is a bright spot, but everywhere else on offense and defense needs more work. Coach Mike MacIntyre hopes the overall roster improves in a new-look C-USA. Otherwise, they’re staying in the cellar for another season.