Conference USA is currently one of the NCAA’s more turbulent leagues. The impact of NIL rules and heavy transfer movement has disrupted these programs more than most. Unlike many lower-end conferences, there is no clear top favorite for the title this season, which means there is genuine debate about who will end up on top. We’ll jump straight into the teams, but first a quick PSA: Delaware and Missouri State are new to C-USA after making the move from FCS. They are not eligible for the conference title game and can only go bowling if there are not enough eligible teams elsewhere. They will appear at the end of this preview as non-rated teams.
1. Liberty Flames
2024 Record (Conference): 8-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (7-1)
Liberty enters as the de facto top team, mainly thanks to stability and offensive firepower. The chemistry between quarterback and wide receivers is the best in the league, which makes this the most complete offense in the conference. Liberty is not a guaranteed champion, and most question marks stem from a defense that was below average in 2024. They have added useful transfers like Hester and Farrar, but several returning starters need to improve for this group to be championship caliber. Still, Liberty’s ceiling (and floor) are both high enough to keep them in the number one spot.
Key Returning Players:
WR Elijah Canion (RS SR), C Aaron Fenimore (RS SO), S A’Khori Jones (SR), NT Bryce Dixon (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Ethan Vasko (RS JR), WR Casey Cain (RS JR), DE Aaron Hester (RS JR), LB Derrell Farrar (RS JR)
2. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2024 Record: 8-6 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 8-4 (6-2)
Western Kentucky arguably has more raw talent than Liberty, but a significant part of that talent is new. That brings uncertainty around how well it will all come together. Quarterback Maverick McIvor has a strong track record from Abilene Christian, and he will be counted on to steer a lineup filled mostly with new starters. The offense will likely struggle to run, and the almost entirely rebuilt defense makes their true potential hard to gauge. Still, there is enough individual ability to cause trouble in a weak conference.
Key Returning Players:
OT Marshall Jackson (RS SR), LB Anthony Brackenridge (SR), S Demarco Williams (RS SR), CB Kent Robinson (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Maverick McIvor (GR), RB La’Vell Wright (GR), WR Jairus Mack (RS SR), DE Dominic Oliver (RS SR)
3. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
2024 Record: 5-8 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 8-4 (6-2)
Louisiana Tech is the best dark horse in C-USA for 2025. Much of their core returns, and most of it is still young, which means there is huge upside if things click. If quarterback Evan Bullock continues his development, he can emerge as one of the best in the league. Expect an efficient offense focused on ball control, even if they lack game-breaking talent. The main weakness is on defense, where the line and linebackers suffered heavy losses. The defense will lean on the secondary and need transfer linemen to step up quickly, but there is real potential for this team to become the league’s surprise contender.
Key Returning Players:
QB Evan Bullock (RS SO), RB Omiri Wiggins (JR), LB Kolbe Fields (RS SR), S Jacob Fields (JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
DE Donovan Rieman (RS JR), DE Caleb Sims (RS SR), OG Jonathan Denis (RS SR), CB Noah Biglow (RS SR)
4. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
2024 Record: 9-5 (7-1)
2025 Projected Record: 7-5 (5-3)
Many have Jacksonville State in their top three teams, but this roster carries too much uncertainty to feel truly confident. A new head coach in Charles Kelly suggests a renewed focus on defense, which performed well last year. However, the offensive side took significant hits, especially in the receiving corps and offensive line. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is solid enough for a one-year stint, but the supporting cast is a concern. The defense is more stable on the line but will be counting on transfers elsewhere. Expect the offense to struggle while the defense deals with a learning curve.
Key Returning Players:
WR Michael Pettway (RS SR), DE Jawuan Campbell (SO), OG Cameron Griffin (JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Gavin Wimsatt (SR), RB Cam Cook (JR), LB Jacob Cruz (JR), CB Tre’Quon Fegans (RS JR)
5. Sam Houston Bearkats
2024 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (5-3)
This is where the drop-off in the conference really starts. Sam Houston is coming off a ten-win season, but every single defensive starter has moved on, leaving first-year head coach Phil Longo with a huge job. The offense brings back some stability, most notably quarterback Hunter Watson, but it is not built to make up ground for a defense in total rebuild mode. Credit may be given based on 2024’s tight games, but the roster turnover makes this look like a rebuilding year.
Key Returning Players:
QB Hunter Watson (RS SR), WR Qua’Vez Humphreys (RS SR), WR Michael Phoenix II (RS SR), OG James Dawn II (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
RB Elijah Green (RS SR), DE Keelan Cox (RS SR), WR Kaleb Black (RS SO), CB AJ Edwards (GR)
6. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
2024 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (4-4)
Middle Tennessee looks ready for improvement, with rare continuity at key positions. Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato returns, and a key transfer in OT Jacob Otts should give him better protection. Amorion Stokes at receiver offers a promising target. The defense is still shaky, but if the offense stays on the field longer, the results should improve all around.
Key Returning Players:
QB Nicholas Vattiato (RS SR), S John Howse IV (RS SR), DT Shakai Woods (RS SO), LB Parker Hughes (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
OT Jacob Otts (GR), WR Amorion Stokes (SR), RB Rickey Hunt Jr. (RS SO), CB Juwon Gaston (SR)
7. UTEP Miners
2024 Record: 3-9 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (4-4)
UTEP is tough to project, with brand new coordinators introducing new schemes on both sides of the ball. The defense has intriguing new pass rushers in Derek Burns and Ashaad Hall and could become a strength. The offense, however, is unlikely to hit a high gear. Quarterback Skyler Locklear is steady but not spectacular, with Kenny Odom as his most experienced receiver. Unless the ground game can dominate, high-point games will be rare.
Key Returning Players:
QB Skyler Locklear (RS JR), WR Kenny Odom (RS JR), LB Nate Dyman (RS SR), S Xavier Smith (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
DE Derek Burns (RS JR), OT Mark Robinson (SO), DE Ashaad Hall (SR), S Tyler Jones (RS SR)
8. New Mexico State Aggies
2024 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (3-5)
The Aggies face a major disconnect between their personnel and offensive scheme. The roster is built to run the ball, but new offensive coordinator David Yost prefers a pass-heavy approach. Quarterback Parker Awad is decent, but not made for a five-wide system and lacks the mobility needed for constant scrambling. Despite some strengths in the run game, expect the overall offensive results to be disappointing.
Key Returning Players:
QB Parker Awad (JR), WR PJ Johnson III (RS SR), LB Tyler Martinez (RS SR), LB Sone Aupiu (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Logan Fife (RS SR), RB Kadarius Calloway (RS SR), WR Jackson Owens (RS SR), DE Gabe Peterson (SR)
9. Florida International Panthers
2024 Record: 4-8 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (2-6)
The Panthers are entering the year with major defensive losses and have not brought in enough replacements. While there is some talent, including L’Cier Luter and Dante Anderson, it is unlikely to make up for the depth issues. Offensively, quarterback Keyone Jenkins can score in bunches and may keep games closer than they otherwise would be, but a porous defense will likely keep FIU out of contention.
Key Returning Players:
QB Keyone Jenkins (JR), RB Kejon Owens (RS SR), CB Brian Blades II (RS SR), DE Keegan Davis (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
DT L’Cier Luter (RS SR), DE Dante Anderson (RS JR), S Demetrius Hill (RS SR), OG Zaire Flournoy (RS SR)
10. Kennesaw State Owls
2024 Record: 2-10 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (2-6)
Last year, Kennesaw State struggled enough that their starting quarterback is now a backup wideout. The team made a coaching change and new head coach Jerry Mack has gone shopping in the transfer portal. The quarterback battle is between two transfers, but neither stands out. Playmakers on both sides of the ball are scarce, and the defense may tire quickly due to lack of support from the offense. Progress may take some time.
Key Returning Players:
LB Donelius Johnson (RS JR), CB JeRico Washington Jr (RS SO), LB Garland Benyard (RS SR), CB Tyler Hallum (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
LB Antonio Stevens (GR), DE Marcus Patterson (RS JR), QB Dexter Williams II (RS SR), QB Amari Odom (RS SO)
Not Rated: New FCS Additions
Delaware Blue Hens
2024 Record (FCS): 9-2 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Delaware brings a cohesive roster and strong quarterback-wide receiver pairing in Zach Parker and Jake Thaw. The defense is experienced and returns almost the entire starting unit. Adjusting to FBS play will be a challenge, but this group could surprise a handful of conference opponents right away.
Key Returning Players:
QB Zach Parker (GR), WR Jake Thaw (GR), LB Gavin Moul (JR), NT Keyshawn Hunter (GR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
RB Viron Ellison Jr (SO), DE Noah Matthews (RS JR), OT Noah Rasahac (RS FR), WR Thomas Amankwaa (RS JR)
Missouri State Bears
2024 Record (FCS): 8-4 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (2-6)
Missouri State may not be as ready as Delaware, but they will be entertaining in their first FBS year. Huge quarterback Jacob Clark and freshman tight end Dillon Hipp give the offense high-scoring potential. The defense is a work in progress, but if the Bears can put together a handful of wins, growth into a legitimate FBS program could follow.
Key Returning Players:
QB Jacob Clark (RS SR), WR Jmariyae Robinson (RS JR), S JJ O’Neal (SR), DT Gilles Tchio (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Ronnel Johnson (JR), TE Dillon Hipp (RS FR), RB Shomari Lawrence (RS SR), DE DJ Wesolak (RS JR)
Championship Game Prediction
Louisiana Tech defeats Liberty
Games to Circle
Louisiana Tech at LSU (Sept. 6): This is a major test for the Bulldogs as they travel to Baton Rouge to face a reloaded LSU squad. If Louisiana Tech can hang tight, they might pull off the early upset that defines their season.
Liberty at Louisiana Tech (Nov. 22): In one of the regular season’s last games, these two title contenders square off for conference bragging rights and possibly a championship preview. Expect a classic clash between Liberty’s big-play passing and Louisiana Tech’s ball control approach.
Delaware and Missouri State’s First Conference Games (Sept. 20 and 27): All eyes will be on the newcomers as Delaware and Missouri State play their first C-USA games. These matchups will be an early look at whether transition from FCS can yield quick success at the next level.
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