By Ty Scheiner
As we gear up for the first year of the 12-team playoff format, with an automatic spot for the best Group of Five team, the competition in the G5 is set to be thrilling. With standout talents like Ashton Jeanty, Tory Horton, and Seth Henigan in the mix, this season promises to be nothing short of exciting. While there are several G5 teams in contention for that coveted playoff spot, I’m here to tell you why the Sun Belt is not only the most competitive but also the deepest G5 conference heading into 2024.
Last season, the Sun Belt led the charge with 12 teams earning bowl bids. And while they went 5-7 in those games, getting 12 teams in is no small feat for a G5 conference. It’s a testament to the depth and balance of this league, where every week feels like a dogfight.
App State: Back to the Top?
Year five under Shawn Clark sees the Mountaineers poised for a return to dominance. With star QB Joey Aguilar leading the charge, alongside a deep backfield featuring Kanye Roberts and Texas transfer Charles Wright, App State is loaded. They’re bringing back their top four pass-catchers, including WR Kaedin Robinson and TE Eli Wilson. Add in a typically stout defense, and the Mountaineers are primed to make some serious noise.
Texas State: GJ Kinne’s Explosive Offense
I’m pumped for year two under GJ Kinne in San Marcos. The addition of JMU transfer and 2023 Sun Belt Player of the Year, Jordan McCloud, only amplifies an already explosive offense. Pair him with returning RB Ismail Mahdi, and you’ve got a QB-RB duo that’s going to give defenses nightmares. They’ve also added depth at WR and RB, making this offense even scarier. Joey Hobert, one of the top WRs in the conference, is back and ready to roll for the Bobcats.
JMU: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
Yes, JMU lost a lot in the portal, but new head coach Bob Chesney has brought in some solid talent. I really like this hire, and I’m confident JMU won’t miss a beat after losing Curt Cignetti to Indiana. Washington transfer QB Dylan Morris, along with RBs Ayo Adiai (North Texas) and Jobi Malary (Portland State), will keep the Dukes’ offense humming.
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Troy: Culture Overhaul, Same Contender Status
Troy may have lost Jon Sumrall and a bunch of players to the portal, but their culture remains strong under new coach Gerad Parker. With Goose Crowder at QB, Troy should still be a contender in the West. Don’t sleep on the Trojans—they’ve got a history of bouncing back.
Louisiana: Quietly Strong Defense
The Cajuns could have one of the better defensive units in the conference, shifting to a 4-2-5 scheme under Michael Desormeaux. They lost five games by one score last year, so expect some positive regression and improvement. This team might surprise a few people.
Marshall: The Sleeper in the Herd
Marshall might not have named a starting QB yet, but don’t count them out. Charles Huff has this team on the rise, coming off three straight bowl appearances. They’ve brought in a strong transfer class with 12 players from Power 5 conferences. Plus, with new OC Seth Doege bringing in his version of the Air Raid offense, I’m expecting big things. Keep an eye on the Herd’s offense, especially with a deep WR room and North Carolina transfer WR Tychaun Chapman in the mix.
Arkansas State: Butch Jones’ Recruiting Success
Butch Jones has been crushing it on the recruiting trail at Arkansas State, with the top-ranked Sun Belt recruiting class for three years running, according to Rivals. QB Jaylen Raynor is poised to make a national splash, and Malik Hornsby, an Arkansas transfer, is making the switch to WR. The Red Wolves are a team I’m keeping my eyes on.
South Alabama: Rising Stars
South Alabama has a deep WR room and a rising star in QB Gio Lopez. With a solid defensive line anchored by Wy’Kevious Thomas and Maurice Strong, Sr, and Major Applewhite taking over coaching duties, the Jaguars are set to contend.
Georgia Southern: Offensive Firepower
Clay Helton has built a solid offense at Georgia Southern, with redshirt sophomore JC French taking the reins at QB. He’ll have plenty of help from playmakers like RB Jaylin White and TE Tyler Fromm. This offense could light up the scoreboard this season.
Coastal Carolina: Rebuilding After McCall
Tim Beck has his work cut out for him after losing three-time SBC Player of the Year Grayson McCall to NC State. Fortunately, the schedule is manageable, and Coastal Carolina has some promising RBs in a deep position room with Braydon Bennett, Christian Washington (New Mexico transfer), and Simeon Price (Mississippi State transfer). Add in Lone Star Conference (Division 2) Offensive Freshman of the Year Andre Jones, and the Chanticleers have the pieces to stay competitive.
ODU: A Bright Spot on Defense
Old Dominion might be facing a tough schedule, but LB Jason Henderson is a tackling machine worth watching. With 356 tackles over the last two seasons, Henderson is a bright spot on an otherwise challenging road ahead for the Monarchs.
Southern Miss: Hot Seat Heating Up
Will Hall might be feeling the heat in year four, but a change in offensive play-calling with Chip Long could be the spark Southern Miss needs. Bringing in Florida State transfer QB Tate Rodemaker might just save Hall’s job.
ULM: Rebuilding Year
The portal hit ULM hard, and new head coach Bryant Vincent has a tough road ahead. With low expectations, the Warhawks will rely on Oklahoma transfer QB General Booty to keep them competitive.
Why the Sun Belt is the G5’s Best Bet
The Sun Belt isn’t just deep—it’s stacked from top to bottom. The consistency with coaching staffs, continuity with top teams, and influx of talent through recruiting and the transfer portal make this conference the most exciting G5 league in 2024. Whether it’s high-flying offenses, tough defenses, or surprise contenders, the Fun Belt is set to deliver some of the most competitive football we’ve seen.
So, as we head into the season, keep your eyes on the Sun Belt. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the G5’s representative in the playoffs comes from this conference. Buckle up—it’s going to be fun!
