The so-called "Group of Six" saw some major shakeups in Week 2 of the college football season.
Navy, coming off an 11-2 season in 2025, was upset by Florida Atlantic, 38-30, after Owls quarterback Caden Veltkamp torched the Midshipmen defense for 386 passing yards with six touchdowns on Saturday, Sept. 12. Boise State, coming off a close loss to then-top 10 Oregon, rode a big second half to victory over Memphis, one of the best-looking non-Power Four teams so far this season.
Elsewhere, North Texas vaulted into the rankings after making a 44-6 statement win over UNLV, which seems like a College Football Playoff afterthought after starting the season
1-2. James Madison also re-enters the rankings after hanging 87 – yes, 87 – points on Wagner.
There’s still plenty to learn about teams at the non-Power Four level this season, although Boise State is clearly leading the pack as of now. Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s Group of Six power rankings for Week 3:
Previous week's ranking in parentheses
1. Boise State (1)
Boise State picked up a potentially huge win for its CFP hopes, taking down Memphis 38-20 in commanding fashion.
The Broncos actually trailed Memphis 20-17 at halftime, but scored 21 unanswered in the second half. Running back Dylan Riley rushed 19 times for 206 yards in the win, and Boise State was able to keep the Tigers to 20 points despite opposing quarterback Marcus Stokes passing for 384 yards on 25 attempts.
Boise State looks like the best team in non-Power Four, per usual, so far in 2026.
2. New Mexico (5)
No starting quarterback, no problem for New Mexico to start the season. The Lobos are without starting signal-caller Jack Layne due to injury for the season, but they’ve started the year with a 38-7 win over Central Michigan and a 70-7 win over Mercyhurst.
New Mexico is getting it done against lesser opponents under second-year coach Jason Eck, who’s starting to become a hot name in the coaching carousel. Awaiting New Mexico is Oklahoma, which could be an important point to see how good the Lobos actually are.
3. Memphis (2)
Memphis held a halftime lead on the road at Boise State before collapsing in the second half. There’s a good chance the Tigers are still the second-best Group of Six team in the country, despite the loss.
Stokes has been a hit in the transfer portal for Memphis, throwing for 384 yards and a touchdown on 17 completions against the Broncos. Tight end Hunter Tipton caught nine passes for 229 yards with a touchdown in the loss.
4. Western Michigan (4)
Western Michigan stays at No. 4 in the power rankings after taking care of business in a 49-14 win over Monmouth in Week 2. The Broncos’ 13-12 loss to Michigan in Week 1 looks even better, too, after the Wolverines upset Oklahoma 17-10 at home on Sept. 12.
5. James Madison (N/A)
James Madison started the season inside the power rankings, but fell out after struggling at times in its 20-13 win over Liberty in Week 1. The Dukes are back, though, after dropping a ridiculous 87 points on Wagner in Week 2.
First-year coach Billy Napier looks like he has James Madison back on track without former coach Bob Chesney, who took the Dukes to the CFP last season. Up next is a solid test against San Diego State on the road.
6. North Texas (N/A)
North Texas found some success offensively against reigning national champion Indiana in Week 1 to open the Neal Brown era. The Mean Green followed up their 52-16 loss with an absolute romp of UNLV, a solid non-Power Four opponent.
Central Florida transfer quarterback Tayven Jackson passed for 233 yards with two touchdowns in North Texas’ 44-6 win over UNLV, with the team rushing for 183 yards and three touchdowns overall.
West Virginia transfer Jahiem White has been a standout through two weeks, with 26 carries for 185 yards with two touchdowns this season.
7. UTSA (6)
UTSA took down archrival Texas State 31-26 in Week 2 behind veteran quarterback Owen McCown’s 214 passing yards and a touchdown. The Roadrunners trailed heading into the fourth quarter, but outscored the Bobcats 14-3 to win the “I-35 Rivalry.” The Roadrunners intercepted Brad Jackson twice in the win, improving to 2-0 on the season. Up next is No. 1 Texas.
8. Tulsa (8)
Tulsa improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating Sam Houston 23-17 on Sept. 12, thanks to 241 total rushing yards and three touchdowns as a team.
The Golden Hurricanes’ win over Oklahoma State is also looking quite nice after the Cowboys upset then-No. 6 Oregon 39-31 at home in Week 2. Tulsa looks like it could compete in the American this season.
- Schools dropped out: Navy (3), North Dakota State (7)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Group of 6 power rankings: James Madison, North Texas join list in Week 3
