Who’s The Next Group of Five Contender?

UAB Blazers

I hate to pick another AAC team, but it’s hard to ignore what UAB has going for it.

Since being resurrected from the dead in 2017, UAB went from no program to two-time Conference USA Champions and one of the most consistent programs out there. Last year was a bit of a dip, but the excuse was valid: head coach Bill Clark stepped away in June due to health reasons, and the dip wasn’t that bad: they won seven games including the Bahamas Bowl.

UAB just invested a ton of money in facilities, a 46,000 square foot, $22.5 million indoor practice facility, and three outdoor practice fields. And don’t forget the $175 million Protective Stadium which opened in 2021.

The Blazers are another program in fertile recruiting ground. Yes, Alabama and Auburn will grab all of the top in-state recruits, but that could be a blessing in disguise for the Blazers. How so? The pitch should be simple: “We think you’re good enough to be at Alabama or Auburn, but they don’t. Come to UAB and show them exactly what they’re passing on.”

UAB has proven they have the support of the community and boosters. They’re the reason Blazer football even exists anymore. UAB has everything they need. If they use their resources correctly, they could be the next UCF.

San Jose State Spartans

Alright, this one isn’t happening this year. But in time, it’s a real possibility.

First of all, I think Brent Brennan is one of the most underrated head coaches at any level in college football. Overall, the results have been average, but people forget just how empty Rod Caragher left the Spartans. Brennan’s first two seasons were about as bad as bad gets, but he’s built the program back up to respectability.

If you want a glimpse of what San Jose State football under Brent Brennan could look like, take a walk back in time to 2020. Yes, I know it’s the Covid year, but the Spartans went 7-1, defeated Boise State to win the Mountain West Championship, and ranked as high as number 19 in the country.

San Jose State has not experienced back-to-back bowl games since 1986-87, but that feat looks possible in 2023.

In a state like California, San Jose State is always going to be “little brother” to USC and UCLA. But you know what could help the Spartans? The downfall and instability of fellow Northern California school Stanford. San Jose State probably won’t get the four-star recruits the Cardinal used to, but even just one would go a long way. What the Spartans should look at are the two and three-star guys that turn into the program changers. Yes, Stanford is the bigger name, but if you want to win now and build something special in the process, San Jose is the place to be.

The Long Shot

They’re not a long shot because of talent. They’re not a long shot because of their geographic location. They’ve proven that year after year. And they’re damn sure not a long shot because of success. It’s all positioning. And that should change in the future.

Who are they? They’re the North Dakota State Bison.

I have been a long believer that by the end of the decade, the Bison will be an FBS program. With the news that San Diego State is bolting from the Mountain West, don’t be shocked if Boise State follows. One of those is a big blow. But both? The Mountain West will need to make a huge splash to replace a program(s) of that caliber.

What better program to bring in than THE most dominant program of the 2010s?

North Dakota State is no stranger to adjusting leagues. They were a Division 2 school at the turn of the century. They didn’t join D-1 until 2004. They weren’t eligible for the FCS Playoffs until 2008. In 19 seasons since joining the FCS, the Bison have won the NINE National Championships. They didn’t win their first until 2011. That’s nine of 12 seasons ending with a championship. You know that Alabama dynasty everyone is sick of? They only have six titles in 14 years.

North Dakota State can play with anyone even now. Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado State, and 13th-ranked Iowa have all lost to the Bison.

Imagine what this machine could do with the FBS money and name to go with it. I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before we find out.