The Great Debate: Should Group of Five Champions Surpass Big 12 Rankings?

As college football rankings become increasingly scrutinized, one question has emerged at the forefront of discussions about the sport’s evolving landscape: Should champions from Group of Five (G5) conferences be ranked higher than teams from Power Five conferences, particularly the Big 12? This debate has gained traction as both Group of Five programs and teams from the Big 12 have increasingly found themselves in the conversation about playoff spots, bowl games, and national recognition. In this article, we will explore the various factors driving this debate, analyze the implications of ranking systems, and delve into the broader context of college football’s structure.

The Growing Divide: Group of Five vs. Power Five Conferences

The distinction between Group of Five (G5) conferences and Power Five (P5) conferences is clear, but the competition between them has become more intense in recent years. The Power Five conferences—comprising the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC—represent the wealthiest, most prestigious programs in college football. These conferences typically have larger television contracts, more robust recruiting pipelines, and greater historical success in major bowl games and College Football Playoffs (CFP).

In contrast, the Group of Five conferences—American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA, Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference—are often considered less competitive. However, that perception is slowly changing as schools like UCF, Boise State, and Cincinnati have made significant strides in both performance and visibility, leading to a growing sense of frustration within the G5 community.

The Case for Group of Five Champions

Advocates for G5 champions to surpass teams from the Big 12 in rankings argue that success on the field should not be solely dictated by conference affiliation or historical prestige. Instead, they point to the on-field achievements of G5 teams and the performance metrics that suggest their champions deserve greater consideration.

• Strong Performance in Non-Conference Play: Many G5 teams, such as UCF and Boise State, have consistently won games against top-tier Power Five teams, demonstrating their competitive viability. For example, UCF went undefeated in the 2017 season but was shut out of the College Football Playoff (CFP) due to their conference affiliation.
• Head-to-Head Success: G5 teams have increasingly managed to secure victories over ranked P5 opponents, including teams from the Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten. These victories raise questions about the fairness of ranking systems that consistently undervalue G5 teams despite their success.
• Underdog Narrative: The narrative of the underdog has always been a compelling story in sports, and the G5 conferences continue to embody that spirit. Teams that rise from less lucrative backgrounds to compete at the highest level often provide some of the most exciting and inspiring stories in college football.

Why Big 12 Teams May Still Have the Edge

While the case for G5 teams is growing stronger, there are still compelling reasons why Big 12 teams remain in a position of dominance in college football rankings. Despite criticisms of the Big 12’s perceived lack of elite programs in recent years, the conference still carries significant weight.

• Consistent Competition at the Top: Teams in the Big 12, like Oklahoma and Texas (before their move to the SEC), have historically been among the best in college football, regularly competing for playoff spots and major bowl bids. The top teams in the Big 12 play a more difficult schedule and often face stronger competition in conference play compared to G5 champions.
• Strength of Schedule: One of the primary criteria used in ranking college football teams is strength of schedule. Big 12 teams routinely face higher-ranked opponents in conference play, and this consistently challenging schedule can bolster a team’s résumé, even if their overall record is not perfect.
• Historical Precedent: The Big 12 has a long history of success, and this legacy continues to play a significant role in rankings. Teams from the conference have often finished in the top 10 and have secured spots in the College Football Playoff (CFP), which carries immense weight when it comes to ranking decisions.

Challenges with the Current Ranking System

One of the key issues in this debate is the current ranking system used by the College Football Playoff committee. Although the committee has been more transparent in recent years, the subjective nature of the rankings leaves much room for interpretation. Factors such as strength of schedule, eye test, and historical performance all play significant roles in determining the final rankings.

The current structure of college football—where Power Five teams receive more exposure, financial resources, and historical prestige—often results in a bias toward these conferences. Despite G5 teams having comparable or even superior records, they are frequently overlooked because their schedules are perceived as weaker, even though their performances against non-conference opponents sometimes contradict that assumption.

The Role of the College Football Playoff (CFP)

The introduction of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014 was supposed to create a more transparent and fair system for determining national champions. However, it has only highlighted the divide between the Power Five and Group of Five. In each of the six years the CFP has been in existence, no Group of Five team has managed to crack the top four spots, even if they finished undefeated. The system has been accused of valuing conference affiliation and strength of schedule over actual on-field accomplishments.

One of the most notable examples of this bias was the exclusion of UCF in the 2017 season despite an undefeated record. UCF finished with a 13-0 record, winning the American Athletic Conference Championship, but was bypassed in favor of teams with more “prestigious” resumes, such as Ohio State and Alabama. UCF’s exclusion raised questions about the fairness of a system that undervalues G5 teams.

Implications of a Potential Shift in Ranking Criteria

Should the rankings system evolve to give G5 conference champions a more prominent spot, it could have significant implications for the sport. A more inclusive ranking system could:

• Encourage More Competitive Play: If G5 teams were consistently given a chance to compete for higher rankings, it could incentivize schools in the G5 conferences to improve their programs and scheduling, thereby increasing competition across all levels of college football.
• Generate More Viewership: The inclusion of G5 teams in the playoff conversation would likely attract new audiences, especially those who support the underdog and enjoy seeing non-traditional powers rise to prominence.
• Impact Conference Realignment: A shift in how teams are ranked could also have implications for conference realignment, as G5 schools may find themselves more motivated to seek out better scheduling opportunities and potentially explore joining P5 conferences.

Conclusion: Striking a Balance

As college football continues to evolve, the debate over whether Group of Five champions should surpass Big 12 teams in rankings is unlikely to fade. Both sides of the argument have valid points, and it is clear that the current ranking system—while not without merit—has room for improvement. A fairer system would not only reward on-field performance but also acknowledge the growing competitiveness of G5 teams.

Ultimately, the most important factor should be the success of the teams themselves. College football fans across the nation are calling for a more merit-based system that doesn’t simply reward historical power but recognizes the achievements of teams that defy the odds, regardless of their conference affiliation. As the sport continues to evolve, this debate will likely shape the future of how teams are ranked, how conferences are perceived, and how college football will be structured in years to come.

For more insights into college football rankings and the ongoing debates surrounding the College Football Playoff, visit CBS Sports for the latest updates.

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