G5 Teams Not Ready for the Big Leagues

The idea sounds great in theory. Give Group of Five teams a real shot. Let them prove they belong.

But the playoff results tell a different story

Tulane walked into its matchup with Ole Miss carrying momentum and confidence. They walked out with a 41–10 loss that was over by halftime. The Rebels were faster, deeper, and more physical at every position. This was not a fluke. It was a talent gap. A mirror result of their regular-season game.

Ole Miss controlled the game from the opening drive. Tulane struggled to keep up. The Green Wave could not keep pace once the Rebels’ offense stepped on the field. Early on, it was clear they were outmatched.

Then came James Madison

JMU deserves credit for scoring late and making the final score look closer than it was. But Oregon led by four and sometimes five touchdowns for most of the game. As the Ducks won 51-34.

Jayden Limar scoops up the blocked punt to make it 48-13 Oregon. Ducks blowing out James Madison midway through the third https://t.co/vItWalG7QI

— Max Torres (@mtorressports) December 21, 2025

These games weren’t losses. They were reality checks.

The Group of Five programs can be well coached. They can be tough. They can win games in the regular season against weak schedules. But the college football playoff is different. Depth matters. Recruiting matters. Schedule matters.

This is not about disrespect, it is reality.

The playoff should showcase the best teams in the country, not just the best stories. If expansion continues, the standard has to stay high. Otherwise, we risk turning playoff games into glorified scrimmages.

Hope is great, and opportunity is important, but the college football playoff should be for the best teams. Expanding is not the answer, and 12 teams may be too much, but the most deserving teams it needs to have.

The second round matchups are set for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.