Conference realignment: 7 Group of Five teams that can make Power 4 transition 

College football conference realignment has turned the Power 4 leagues upside down. The Pac-12 is buried and gone, and we now have power leagues that include both USC and Michigan or Stanford and NC State.

But with all the bouncing around, there are still some impressive teams that are worth major conference positions.

7 Group of 5 teams that Power 4 could consider adding in next wave of conference realignment

QB Kaidon Salter is a star at Liberty, and has helped make the Flame attractive to Power 4 interest. (Photo credit: IMAGN)

#7 Appalachian State

The Mountaineers have earned their way up the ladder in FBS football. They gained reknown by upsetting Michigan in 2007 as an FCS team. But they have posted five double-digit win seasons in the last decade and keep playing competitive football regardless of who the head coach is.

The Mountaineers were 9-5 last year, which is something of a down season by their standards. They do play a week-two game at Clemson, which could give them a chance to grab even more national notice.

#6 Tulane

The Green Wave had been down in recent years. But New Orleans is always a drawing card, and the school has rebounded impressively on the gridiron, winning 23 games over the past two seasons.

Coach Willie Fritz headed off for Houston after last year, but the Green Wave made a sharp hire in Troy's Jon Sumrall, who has been impressive in his young career.

Tulane bested three ranked teams in 2022, including USC, in the Cotton Bowl. It'll be interesting to see if Sumrall can keep the double-digit winning streak coming.

#5 Memphis

The Tigers have managed four double-digit win seasons in the last decade under three different coaches. Their location extends into the footprint of virtually any league, and Memphis has done a nice job of being both competitive and interesting on the field.

A year ago, Memphis was 10-3 and the three losses were by a combined 21 points. They play Florida State in week three, in a game that could prove their bona fides to interested conferences.

#4 Liberty

The Flames have only been in FBS since 2018, but have already posted a pair of double-digit win totals, including a 13-1 mark last year. Liberty scored 38.3 points per game a year ago and rushed for nearly 300 yards per game.

With the return of QB Kaidon Salter, Liberty has a genuine shot at the College Football Playoff this season. There's no marquee game on Liberty's schedule, but another 13-0 regular season would certainly impress onlookers.

#3 Oregon State

The Beavers aren't a true Group of Five team, but they've been playing with the Mountain West since getting left behind in the Pac-12 breakup. OSU had been down but had three straight winning seasons to end the Pac-12 era, including a 10-3 mark in 2022.

The Beavers are off an 8-5 mark last year and could make some massive ripples in their home matchup with Oregon in week three. Surely they'll hook on with a Power 4 bid soon.

#2 Washington State

Washington State had six winning seasons in their last decade in the Pac-12. While the Cougars were 5-7 last year, they passed for 337 yards per game and would certainly be an interesting team to add.

The Cougars get their shot at a massive upset of Washington in week three. Picking up an upset there would catalyse their way into a Power 4 landing spot.

#1 Boise State

The Bronco went just 8-6 in 2023, but it was an ugly situation. Andy Avalos was fired with the season ongoing, and defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson took over the job. But Boise has had six double-digit win total in the last decade, and they're consistently a Group of Five power.

Running back Ashton Jeanty is a star and if USC transfer Malachi Nelson is ready to go at quarterback, Boise could scare Oregon in week two. The Broncos are a vertitable Group of Five power.

Which teams would you like to see move up to Power 4 status? Weigh in below in the comments section!