In the world of college football, not all conferences are created equal. For years, the term “Power 5” has been synonymous with prestige, playoff berths, and powerhouse programs. Meanwhile, the “Group of 5” has often played the role of Cinderella—capable of the occasional upset, but seldom taken seriously in the national title conversation.
The question looms large: Can the gap between the Power 5 and the Group of 5 ever truly close? Or is the current system built in such a way that it will always favor the big names, the big budgets, and the big conferences?
Let’s examine the forces at play, the shifting dynamics, and whether college football’s most glaring caste system is destined for disruption—or permanent dominance.
Defining the Divide: What Makes Power 5… Powerful?
The Power 5 conferences—SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12 (for now)—hold the keys to college football’s most elite resources: massive media rights deals, blue-chip recruits, national exposure, and easy access to the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The Group of 5, comprising the AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, and Sun Belt, simply doesn’t command the same revenue, media attention, or recruiting pull. It’s a tiered system in nearly every sense—one with financial disparity at its core.
To illustrate: In 2022, the Big Ten signed a $7 billion media deal with Fox, CBS, and NBC. Most Group of 5 conferences barely crack $10 million per year in media revenue. That discrepancy affects facilities, coaching salaries, travel budgets, and most importantly, recruiting. Talent follows the money.
The Group of 5: Fighters, Not Followers
Yet despite the disadvantages, Group of 5 programs have not simply laid down.
Programs like Boise State, UCF, Cincinnati, and Coastal Carolina have built competitive, high-profile teams. Boise’s 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma remains one of the most iconic upsets in college football history. UCF famously declared itself national champion in 2017 after an undefeated season capped with a Peach Bowl win over Auburn. Cincinnati even cracked the Playoff in 2021, becoming the first Group of 5 team to do so—a symbolic victory, if not a competitive one.
These programs often succeed by developing overlooked talent, scheduling aggressively, and cultivating strong coaching cultures. They prove that while the system may be lopsided, it’s not unbreakable.
The CFP and Postseason Access: Locked Out or Let In?
The College Football Playoff format, until recently, was the biggest barrier to the Group of 5 gaining legitimacy. With just four slots and a heavy emphasis on strength of schedule, the deck was stacked against smaller programs, no matter how perfect their records were.
But relief is on the way. The upcoming 12-team Playoff format, set to begin in 2025, offers a real path for Group of 5 contenders. The highest-ranked Group of 5 champion is guaranteed a spot, while others may sneak in with at-large bids.
This expansion doesn’t just increase visibility—it boosts recruiting, revenue sharing, and national relevance. It’s a significant first step toward narrowing the gap.
Realignment: The Double-Edged Sword
Conference realignment has thrown college football into chaos—but it’s also created opportunities. Former Group of 5 powers like Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF have jumped to the Big 12, while others like San Diego State and SMU are poised to make similar moves.
This migration brings better exposure and resources—but it also risks hollowing out the Group of 5. If enough top programs leave, the remaining teams may struggle to gain traction, reinforcing the very gap that’s trying to be closed.
Still, the reorganization reflects a truth: some Group of 5 programs are outgrowing their surroundings, and that pressure could force structural change in the sport.
The NIL Era: A Wildcard for Parity
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation may be the biggest X-factor in leveling the playing field—or widening the gap further.
Power 5 schools have deeper booster pools and more marketable platforms, which translates to larger NIL deals. However, savvy Group of 5 programs in supportive communities (like BYU, before independence ended) have shown they can still attract top talent through creative NIL strategies.
In the right environment, a well-run Group of 5 team with a strong local brand can compete for—and win—recruits. But it requires aggressive marketing, innovation, and community backing.
Can the Gap Close? Realistically… Partially
The honest answer? The gap may never fully close, but it can shrink.
Financial inequality will always tilt the scales, and recruiting will continue to favor programs with TV exposure and prestige. But the combination of:
- Expanded Playoff access
- Strategic realignment
- The creative use of NIL
- And the ability to develop and retain talent
…means the Group of 5 can still punch above its weight.
For fans of the underdog, that’s all you need—an open door and a shot at the throne. And as the sport evolves, who knows? Today’s outsider could be tomorrow’s dynasty.
Because in college football, the only thing more powerful than tradition… is momentum.
