Rece Davis Names Group Of Five Team As Potential College Football Playoff Contender

With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, programs at the Group of Five level finally have a chance to earn an automatic bid into the postseason. Cincinnati is the only Group of Five team that has qualified for the playoff since its inception in 2014.

The Bearcats have now moved up to the Power Four level and joined the Big-12, which means a Group of Five team will make history next season. Memphis, Boise State, Tulane, and Liberty have all made appearances in the New Year's Six bowls and are projected favorites to make a run to the playoffs in 2024.

On the "College GameDay Podcast," ESPN's Rece Davis named one dark horse for the College Football Playoff from the Group of Five level.

"Watch out for Texas State," Davis said. "I have them as my potential Group of Five team. GJ Kinne, they got James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud running the show there."

GJ Kinne made history in his first season as head coach, leading the Bobcats to the first bowl game in program history. Texas State defeated Rice, 45-21, to earn the first postseason victory at the FBS level. The Bobcats also won eight games for the first time since transitioning to the FBS level in 2012.

The Bobcats made a splash this offseason by signing James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud. McCloud was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and earned Group of Five All-American honors from HERO Sports.

In his lone season at James Madison, McCloud recorded 3,657 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns, 276 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns. He ranks No. 2 in single-season program history for passing yards and touchdowns.

Texas State will open the season on Aug. 31 against Lamar at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Related: Rece Davis Identifies 'Giant Problem' With One Potential ACC Contender