Can the Playoff Judge G5 Fairly?

The question isn’t whether Group of Five programs deserve respect—it’s whether the current College

Football Playoff structure can fairly evaluate them. With the Power Five now effectively

the Power Four, the gap has widened, not narrowed. Fewer cross-conference matchups,

unbalanced schedules, and limited access to high-profile opponents make it harder than ever

for G5 teams to prove themselves on equal footing. This isn’t an indictment of talent.

G5 programs routinely develop NFL-caliber players and execute at a high level. The problem is opportunity.

Strength-of-schedule metrics favor Power Four teams by design, while G5 teams are often punished for

circumstances they can’t control. One slip-up can erase an entire season,