Biggest Pleasant Surprise in Each G5 League in 2023

When it comes to the G5, the 2023 season saw several programs that have been stuck in the metaphorical mud spring to life. Expectations were exceeded, new coaches showed their mettle, and underestimated players broke through.

In each of the five leagues, here are the teams that stick out most for their achievements to date.

AAC - South Florida

At AAC Media Day this past summer, new Bulls head coach Alex Golesh made it known he thought his team was being underestimated. Some sports books had the Bulls projected win total at just 3.5. As the kids say, Golesh stood on business. Golesh led USF to six regular season wins, more than the Bulls had in the previous three seasons combined. To cap things off, South Florida absolutely demolished Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl 45-0 - the Bulls' first shutout since 2009.

CUSA - New Mexico State

It’s not that people were expecting a bad season from the Aggies. However, history just isn't on their side. A bowl berth alone would have been nice. However, Diego Pavia and company rattled off ten wins, including a dominant road victory against Auburn. The argument can be made that this team was only a few unfortunate breaks from a CUSA title. It’s been said, but it bears repeating: the job Jerry Kill has done to turn this program around is remarkable.

MAC - Bowling Green

Prior to this campaign, Bowling Green hadn’t had a winning season since 2015. Getting to 7-5 in the regular season broke that streak. The turnaround jumpstarted with a win at Georgia Tech back in December. The Falcons will go for their second win over a P5 team this season when they play Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl on December 26.

Mountain West - UNLV

In Barry Odom’s first year with the Rebels, UNLV arguably had its best team ever. Defying expectations with a fast-paced offense and impeccable special teams, UNLV made an appearance in the Mountain West title game. If they beat Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate bowl, it will be their first double-digit win season since 1984.

Sun Belt - Arkansas State 

Butch Jones getting Arkansas State back to the postseason has been one of the more under appreciated storylines in the G5 this season. Highlighted by a 77-point performance against Texas State, the Redwolves have shown impressive athleticism in all phases of the game. Now at six wins, Vegas had Arkansas State at just 4.5 wins prior to the season. Arkansas State will play their first bowl game since 2019 later this week when they face Northern Illinois in the Camellia Bowl.