USF Tops the List of Toughest Group of Five Schedules in 2025
According to Athlon Sports, the University of South Florida (USF) has the No. 1 toughest schedule among all Group of Five teams heading into the 2025 college football season. That’s not just hype—it’s backed by a brutal lineup of Power 6 opponents and a stacked American Athletic Conference slate.
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Why USF’s Schedule Is the Toughest
- Power 6 Opponents:
- Florida Gators (SEC) – Top 10 team with playoff aspirations
- Miami Hurricanes (ACC) – Loaded roster and elite QB play
- Boise State Broncos (Pac-12) – Group of Five powerhouse and preseason Top 25
- AAC Gauntlet:
- Road games at Memphis, UTSA, and UAB
- Home matchups against Tulane, Navy, and FAU
USF’s schedule combines elite non-conference challenges with one of the deepest conference slates in the AAC. No other Group of Five team faces three Power-caliber opponents with national rankings and playoff potential.
Other Tough Group of Five Schedules (Top 5 from Athlon Sports)
| Rank | Team | Notable Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USF Bulls | Florida, Miami, Boise State, Tulane |
| 2 | UAB Blazers | Georgia, LSU, Memphis |
| 3 | FIU Panthers | Arkansas, Liberty, Western Kentucky |
| 4 | Old Dominion | Virginia Tech, James Madison, App State |
| 5 | James Madison | Louisville, Liberty, Coastal Carolina |
Final Word
USF isn’t just facing a tough schedule—they’re walking into a season-long proving ground. If they survive this gauntlet, they’ll be in prime position for a New Year’s Six bowl or even the Group of Five’s automatic College Football Playoff bid.
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