As spring practices kick off and the transfer portal looms on the horizon, national analysts are beginning to forecast the top contenders for the upcoming college football season. ESPN's Bill Connelly has released preliminary SP+ ratings, offering a glimpse into which teams might dominate in 2025. Among the Group of Five (G5) conferences, several standout programs have already caught attention with their early rankings. These projections not only highlight the current strengths but also point towards potential shifts in power within these conferences.
Boise State Broncos Lead the Charge
The Boise State Broncos are positioned as the highest-ranked team from the G5, boasting an impressive SP+ score that reflects both offensive prowess and defensive stability. This ranking is unsurprising given their recent success and the significant talent they retain for the coming year. The Broncos are projected to significantly outpace other Mountain West Conference competitors, setting the stage for a dominant season.
In detail, the Broncos' offensive SP+ rating places them among the top 15 nationally, while their defensive metrics, though less stellar, still indicate a formidable presence on the field. Special teams, however, present an area needing improvement. Connelly's analysis underscores the Broncos' substantial lead over UNLV, the next-best team in the Mountain West, by a margin of nearly 11 points. This gap suggests that unless there are major changes, Boise State will likely maintain its supremacy in this conference. Additionally, the team's performance in the College Football Playoff last season adds to their credibility as a top contender.
American Athletic Conference: A Tight Race
The American Athletic Conference (AAC) emerges as the most competitive among the G5 leagues, with three of its teams closely bunched in the initial rankings. This tight competition promises thrilling matchups and uncertain outcomes as the season progresses. Tulane, Memphis, and Army are all vying for supremacy within this conference.
Tulane's balanced offense and defense place it slightly ahead of Memphis, which excels offensively but lags defensively. Army, despite being ranked lower, remains a wildcard due to its unique triple-option offense. The AAC's competitiveness is further highlighted by having five teams within a narrow SP+ range, indicating that any one of them could surge ahead with strong performances. Connelly’s projections suggest that this conference will be a battleground where every game counts, making it one of the most exciting to watch in 2025. Moreover, the Sun Belt and Mid-American Conferences also show promise, with Ohio leading the MAC and James Madison emerging as a strong contender in the Sun Belt.