2024 Conference USA Football Media Poll Released

A few days before Conference USA’s press day, the pre-season poll was released and it comes as no surprise that Liberty is projected to win the conference, with newcomer Kennesaw State at the bottom.

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1 – Liberty Flames (197 points)

In their first season in Conference USA, the Flames went on to an undefeated regular season, plus a Conference USA championship game win over the New Mexico State Aggies. They also appeared in the Fiesta Bowl, but lost to the Oregon Ducks.

Despite some losses through the transfer portal, star quarterback Kaidon Salter is back, along with running back Quinton Cooley.

2- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (173 points)

After an 8-5 season that included a win in the Famous Toastrey Bowl over Old Dominion, the Hilltoppers lost both quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corely to the NFL Draft. The Hilltoppers offense will look different, but they were able to acquire TJ Finley through the transfer portal, along with Georgia Tech transfer Justin Brown and Arizona State transfer George Hart III. The Hilltoppers open their season against the Alabama Crimson Tide on August 31.

3-Jacksonville State Gamecocks (166)

In their first season at the Division One FBS level, the Gamecocks went 9-4 and 6-2 in the conference. They earned a bowl game bid to the R+L Carriers New Orelans Bowl where they defeated the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns.

While Zion Webb is no longer at quarterback, UConn transfer Zion Turner is now in the fold and is a perfect fit for the Rich Rodriguez offense, a fast-paced offense that many teams couldn’t get used to. Expect both Logan Smothers and Turner to get reps and bring a new passing dynamic to an offense that struggled last season.

4- Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (98 points)

After a difficult 4-8 season with a 3-5 conference record, the Blue Raiders decided to part ways with longtime head coach Rick Stockstill and brought in experienced former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason.

This is the first real surprise for the preseason poll, where the Blue Raiders are expected to bounce back. There is a chance under quarterback Nick Vattiato, but it will be difficult under a new head coach and losing through the transfer portal.

T5- New Mexico State Aggies (97 points)

After a 10-5 overall record and 7-1 conference record, they finished second in the Conference USA championship game, but also lost in the New Mexico Bowl to Fresno State. Jerry Kill left due to health reasons, and since his departure, starting quarterback Diego Pavia, wide receiver Jonathan Brady, dual threat tight end/quarterback Eli Stowers and many more have left the program. They now have first-year head coach Tony Sanchez at the helm. It will be difficult to repeat their first year of conference success.

T5 – Sam Houston State Bearkats (97 points)

Last season was a rough one for the Bearkats, but there were plenty of signs of recovery in 2024. Sam Houston State lost five conference games by one possession. They did make a big splash in the portal by signing quarterback Jase Bauer from Central Michigan, who is expected to start for the Bearkats this season.

7-Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (88 points)

Three straight 3-9 seasons have put the Bulldogs in a tough spot. The pressure is on. Losing Hank Bachmeier was tough, but current starter Jack Turner has made a nice first step in the few starts he’s made. Even with the loss of Smoke Harris to the CFL, the Bulldogs have made some nice offensive additions through the portal.

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8 – Florida International Panthers (81 points)

It was somewhat surprising to see the Panthers ranked eighth in the preseason poll, but that makes sense after a second straight 4-8 season with just one conference win against a Sam Houston State team that had yet to win a single game.

Head coach Mike MacIntyre is now under pressure to win and with a favorable schedule for the Panthers, a six-win season seems a must. The losses after MacIntyre’s first year were tough, but after his second year they didn’t suffer many crucial losses outside of Kris Mitchell, Jordan Guerad and Phillip Houston.

9 – UTEP Miners (76 points)

A UTEP team with plenty of dynamic pieces disappointed in 2023, posting a 3-9 overall record and a 2-6 conference record. Quarterback injuries derailed their season, forcing them to go with a fourth-string quarterback, and after the season they revived Dana Dimel from his head coaching duties and brought in Scotty Walden from Austin Peay.

In addition to the many transfers and recruits from Austin Peay, Walden brought a pair of dynamic power conference running backs and one of the top FCS running backs to El Paso to add depth to the room.

Walden is unlikely to find immediate success in his first year at the helm, but it may not be long before he gets the program back on a winning track.

10 – Kennesaw State Owls (27 points)

One of the best startup programs in college football is making its way to the FBS level. This previous recruiting class was rated the highest in program history and will look to make an impact in the conference.

Head coach Brian Bohannon has guided the Owls through all the highs and lows and now it’s a matter of how he will lead his program through the new conference.