Podcaster shares unique idea for Group of Five

The discrepancy in talent been schools in the power four and group of five is becoming more and more pronounced. Despite all teams regardless of their group label being at the FBS level, signs are pointing to games becoming less and less competitive between teams from the two previously mentioned groupings when facing each other.

The most recent example of this can be seen in the Liberty Bowl this past season in which the Oregon Ducks throttled the Liberty Flames 45-6. Liberty entered the game as the best team from 2023’s group of five with a 12-0 record. The Ducks entered the game 11-2. By record, one would think the game may at least be closer, but it was not.

Given the lack of blue chip recruits playing for group of five programs and the transparent difference in talent level between the two groups, a split into two separate divisions giving the group of five their own playoff may make the most sense after all. And LockedOn College Football host, Spencer McLaughlin has some really intriguing thoughts on how this could work, while maintaining intrigue from power four fans on group of five games so it does not become like the FCS.

Why is the group of five splitting from the power four the best thing for college football?

McLaughlin makes a good point to begin when he states, “I’m not opposed universally to change. I’m opposed to change when it’s not required.” In the scenario of the group of five, McLaughlin is clear that even if it is not required, it is still a really good idea.

“I think this would enhance the group of five experience because pretending the schools in Conference USA are capable of playing at the same level if they win their conference as the winner of the SEC is absolutely silly,” McLaughlin said.

Considering the recent example of Oregon and Liberty, combined with the amount of revenue teams in the power four will be able to bring in due to TV deals, NIL and other areas compared to the group of five, a split would make sense. That, or the games run the risk of getting less and less appealing if we pretend two teams like the given example McLaughlin gave are truly on a level playing field.

What would the playoff structure proposal be for the group of five is they split from the group of four?

“What I am proposing is the national champion (for the group of five) should then be promoted up to the power (power four) ranks,” McLaughlin stated.

McLaughlin does note that this would be more feasible under the next large college football realignment after the current TV deals have expired. McLaughlin draws a great comparison to the model used in Europe for their professional soccer leagues in which the top and bottom teams from each division are promoted and relegated to different levels each year.

This concept would absolutely work and keep interest high on the group of five schools as they would be seen not in the vain of always being the second best league, but each team having the allure of still potentially rising to the top.

Will this be implemented? Time will tell. But given the current state of college football, it would make sense to level each playing field.