Let’s take a timeout in this article from the narratives of Group of 6 struggle that characterize so much college football discussion today: this will be a fun year outside the Power 4.
Why? Every league is wide open, from the acknowledged two deepest (the American and reconstituted Pac-12) to Conference USA and the MAC, perceived as the weakest leagues in FBS. Not every team was picked over in the transfer portal—New Mexico and Western Michigan standing as two prominent examples—and a number of inbound transfers from all levels will spice up their new teams. The Group of 6 having its guaranteed playoff spot number capped at one could also be a blessing in disguise: less top-down Power 4 resentment, more stakes toward the end of the season.
