Conference USA Power Rankings After Week 4: The Battle Begins
As we enter the fifth week of the season, Conference USA is gearing up for a competitive stretch of conference play. With only eight wins in 27 games across the conference, it’s been a slow start, but that’s a reflection of the tough out-of-conference schedules the coaches have embraced. With conference play kicking off this week, the real fight for the top spot begins now. Here’s how the teams stack up after four weeks:
1. Liberty (4-0, 2-0 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 7
Liberty has emerged as the early frontrunner, thanks to a dominant ground game led by HB Quinton Cooley, who has already racked up a conference-leading 825 rushing yards. That’s 250 more yards than the second-best rusher, MTSU’s Frank Peasant. Liberty’s commitment to the run has made them the favorite to win the league, but their skeptics point to their opponents’ combined record of 1-11 as a reason for caution. Nevertheless, the Flames are unbeaten and in control of their destiny.
MTSU’s high-octane offense, led by QB Nicholas Vattiato, has been lighting up the scoreboard. Vattiato leads the conference with over 1,200 passing yards, making the Blue Raiders a dangerous team in the weeks to come. They’ve handled their business so far and are poised to challenge Liberty for the top spot.
3. FIU (1-2, 0-0 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 8
Despite a tough start against formidable opponents, FIU has shown promise, largely due to the standout play of QB Keyone Jenkins. Jenkins has kept the Panthers competitive, and with conference play on the horizon, they’ll be looking to climb the ranks and exceed preseason expectations.
4. Jacksonville State (1-2, 0-0 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 10
Jacksonville State was picked to finish last in the conference, but a convincing win against Ohio has silenced some of the doubters. HB Anwar Lewis has been a revelation, averaging over 150 rushing yards per game. The Gamecocks could be the dark horse in the conference race if they can build on this momentum.
5. Kennesaw State (0-2, 0-0 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 2
Kennesaw State has faced the toughest out-of-conference schedule, with losses to SMU and Memphis, who are a combined 6-2. Despite their 0-2 record, the Owls are battle-tested and could make some noise in conference play if they can capitalize on their experience against top-tier competition.
6. Sam Houston State (0-2, 0-0 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 5
Coach Jamesthecarman finds himself in unfamiliar territory with two early losses to Western Michigan and Texas State, both of whom are performing above expectations. The Bearkats need to find their rhythm quickly as conference play begins, or they risk falling further behind.
It’s been a tough start for Louisiana Tech, who were picked to win the conference in the preseason. Veteran coach Jeffmo has struggled to find the team’s identity, scoring only 24 points in three games. The Bulldogs need to regroup quickly, or their season could slip away before it even begins.
8. New Mexico State (0-2, 0-1 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 4
New Mexico State has had a rough start, with two tough losses, including a double-overtime heartbreaker against Liberty. They were expected to be a top-five team, but they have a lot to prove as they enter conference play with a chip on their shoulder.
9. UTEP (0-3, 0-1 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 9
UTEP has struggled out of the gate, but there have been some bright spots, particularly the play of QB Skylar Locklear. Locklear has spread the ball around effectively, amassing over 750 passing yards in three games. The Miners will need more than that, though, if they hope to climb out of the bottom of the standings.
10. WKU (0-4, 0-1 Conf) - Preseason Rank: 6
It’s been a forgettable start for WKU, but there’s still hope. The Hilltoppers boast two of the top tacklers in the conference, Anthony Jenkins (41 tackles) and Upton Stout (35 tackles). The QB-WR duo of Caden Veltkamp and River Helms also ranks near the top in the conference. If they can put it all together, conference play could be their chance to turn things around.
As conference play begins, the real test lies ahead. Who will rise to the top, and who will falter? Stay tuned—things are about to get interesting in Conference USA.
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