This Is a Bad Season to Be a G5 Sympathizer 

I generally like the idea of having the top G5 program as part of the playoffs. Mostly because there have been plenty of examples of exciting, talented teams who should be given the opportunity to compete against the elite from the SEC and Big Ten. But 2025 isn’t one of those years.

The season began with plenty of hope, mostly because of USF. The Bulls had a convincing 34-7 victory over then No. 25 Boise State. They followed that up with what was thought to be a signature victory over then No. 13 Florida, 18-16, in Gainesville.

However, since then the Bulls have gone 5-3, including a 41-38 loss at Navy on Saturday which eliminated them from any realistic playoff contention. Plus, what were thought to be quality wins against Boise State and Florida look far less impressive today since those two teams have combined to be 9-11.

The bigger problem is that while USF has dipped, so have several other G5 teams that have failed to make the most of their opportunity.

Lost Opportunities

Memphis (8-3): Two weeks ago, the Tigers were in a good position, but have since lost to Tulane and East Carolina.

Tulane (8-2): The Green Wave began the season with nice P4 wins against Duke and Northwestern but then lost by 35-points to Ole Miss and faceplanted during a 48-26 loss at UTSA (5-5). While they still have a path to the playoffs, they are no longer control their destiny.

Navy (8-2): The Midshipmen were 7-0 but have lost two of three since, including a non-competitive 39-point loss at No. 10 Notre Dame (8-2).

This has introduced two new teams into the picture

James Madison (9-1): The Dukes’ one loss came at Louisville, 28-14, in early September. They have been especially dominant in recent weeks, winning their last four games by an average of 32.0 points per game.

North Texas (9-1): The one loss came at home to USF, 63-36. Aside from that, they have steamrolled most opponents behind an explosive offense which leads the nation with a 45.3 points per game average. However, they don’t have a P4 opponent on their schedule.  

What comes next?

Most importantly for the Dukes and Mean Green, they have to win out. As long as they do, one of the two will be the G5 representative in the playoffs. But is either one of the two a product that can compete against the elite from the P4 conferences?

Neither should be considered elite. And neither should be confused with some of the impressive G5 teams from recent years, such as UCF in 2017, Tulane in 2022, Memphis in 2019, or even Boise State last season.

I believe the best option for the G5 is for North Texas to make the playoffs. While they would struggle defensively against a top P4 team, the offense would give opposing defensive coordinator headaches. Eric Morris is a head coach who will be at the P4 level sooner than later, while redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker and freshman running back Caleb Hawkins form one of the top young, dynamic backfield duos in the country. The Mean Green might not win the game, but they wouldn’t be boring while doing it.

The underdog story is usually an interesting one in sports, but this season isn’t one of those times.