DALLAS – CUSA announced Friday the results of its Bowl Confidence Index, as voted on by a panel of media members that cover member institutions. Jacksonville State, Liberty and WKU topped the list as unanimous selections by the voters to qualify for a bowl game.
 
Voted on by a panel of 20 members – consisting of a sports information director and media representative from each CUSA institution – the index reflects the percentage of ballots each team appeared on, proving a confidence score for their likelihood of reaching postseason play.
 
Jax State has won nine games and made a bowl game in each of its three seasons at the FBS level, most recently capping off a 9-4 campaign in year one under Charles Kelly with a 17-13 win over in-state rival Troy in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl. The Gamecocks return quarterback Caden Creel, who eclipsed 1,500 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in just nine starts last season, and several defensive standouts including cornerback Tre’Quon Fegans (1 INT, 9 PBU) and safety Caleb Nix (4 INT, 3 PBU, 3 fumble recoveries).
 
Liberty looks to avoid back-to-back omissions from bowl season for the first time since joining the FBS. The Flames (4-8, 3-5 in 2025) still hold a 25-13 record overall, including a 16-8 mark in CUSA play, in three seasons under Jamey Chadwell. Liberty strengthened its backfield with Kam Davis (Florida State) and Kanye Udoh (Army/Arizona State) as the team looks to continue its success running the ball behind an offensive line anchored by Aaron Fenimore and D.J. Geth.  On defense, the Flames return leading tackler Derrell Farrar (71 tackles, 4.0 TFL).
 
WKU is one of just 10 FBS programs and three Group of Six schools (Memphis, Louisiana) to play in a bowl game in each of the last seven years. The Hilltoppers continue to be a model of consistency under Tyson Helton, who has won at least eight games in five consecutive campaigns. WKU returns the defending CUSA Freshman of the Year Rodney Tisdale Jr. under center after starting the final six games of the year and throwing for 1,432 yards on 65.6% passing, with senior K.D. Hutchinson (618 yds, 3 TD) lined up out wide.
 
Defending CUSA champion Kennesaw State also earned strong support, appearing on 85 percent of ballots. The Owls shocked the league last year with one of the largest turnarounds in CUSA history (2-10 to 10-4) on their way to a CUSA title and Myrtle Beach Bowl appearance. Head coach Jerry Mack returns for year two with another stout defense, led by CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Baron Hopson Jr. (138 tackles, 9.0 TFL), Tywon Christopher (81 tackles, 4.5 TFL), Marcus Patterson (6.0 TFL) and Tyler Hallum (1 INT, 10 PBU in 2024).
 
Also drawing notable confidence is Delaware, which appeared on 75 percent of ballots. In their debut season in the FBS, the Fightin’ Blue Hens posted a 7-6 record culminating in a 20-13 triumph over Louisiana in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Headlining a large contingent of returners is CUSA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Nick Minicucci, who completed 322-512 passes for 3,683 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding a team-high 10 rushing scores in 2025, along with safety K.T. Seay (91 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 INT) and center Steven Demboski.

The Conference USA slate opens with a pair of Week Zero tilts on Saturday, Aug. 29, with Jax State visiting North Dakota State at 4:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network and NM State taking on Florida State at 6 p.m. CT on The CW. The league’s 22^nd Conference USA Football Championship Game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4.
 
2026 CUSA Bowl Confidence Index

School	Pct.
Jax State	100%
Liberty	100%
WKU	100%
Kennesaw State	85%
Delaware	75%
FIU	60%
Missouri State	35%
New Mexico State	20%
MTSU	15%
Sam Houston	10%