G5 Names To Watch In The 2024 AFC Championship

The NFL Playoffs rage on this weekend with two games left to decide which teams will compete in Super Bowl LVIII.

In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in a battle between two of the league's best quarterbacks. Helping them along the way are a host of notable role players who cut their teeth in the Group of Five in college.

Keep an eye out for these familiar G5 names to make an impact in Sunday's game on CBS.

Baltimore Ravens

Isaiah Likely - TE - Coastal Carolina

Brandon Stephens - DB - SMU

Rock Ya-Sin - DB - Temple

Arthur Maulet - DB - Memphis

Travis Jones - NT - UConn

In his second season as a pro, Likely has been an impact player for the Ravens since the end of November. He's up to six touchdown catches this season, including one in the Ravens' divisional round win against Houston last week. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Stephens has been a consistent performer at corner, defending 11 passes this season with two interceptions. Ya-Sin, Maulet, and Jones have also made plays here and there as reserves throughout the season. Ya-Sin is currently listed as questionable.

Kansas City Chiefs

Richie James - WR - Middle Tennessee

Rashee Rice - WR - SMU

Marques Valdez-Scantling - WR - USF

Mike Caliendo - OL - Western Michigan

Cole Christiansen - LB - Army

Nic Jones - DB - Ball State

L'Jarius Sneed - DB - Louisiana Tech

This postseason, SMU rookie Rashee Rice has been the Chiefs' leading receiver with 12 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown James and Valdez-Scantling aren't utilized as much in the offense, but based on recent trends in their performance, should see between one and four receptions in the upcoming matchup.

Second-year offensive lineman Mike Caliendo from Western Michigan could see action as a reserve at one of their interior spots, but is more of a second-to-third option there.

Defensively, expect L'Jarius Sneed's name to be called a few times after 14 passes defended and two interceptions this season. Reserve Nic Jones is also at the ready, should the secondary need him. Former Army linebacker Cole Christiansen had two tackles in their most recent win over Buffalo.