On Sunday, the College Football Playoff selection committee will release the final bracket for the postseason.
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Six conference championship games with at least one ranked team, set to be played on Friday and Saturday, will help determine the final bracket. With 7-5 Duke playing No. 17 Virginia for the ACC championship, it’s possible two Group of 5 programs will make the CFP if the Blue Devils win.
No. 24 North Texas is set to play No. 20 Tulane for the American Championship. 8-4 Troy will play No. 25 James Madison (11-1) for the Sun Belt championship.
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On Monday, Dukes head coach Bob Chesney took the open Big Ten job at UCLA. He’s expected to coach in the Sun Belt Championship Game and if JMU makes the CFP.
In recent weeks, former Florida head coach Billy Napier has been tied to Group of 5 programs like North Texas and Tulane.
On Thursday, Pete Nakos of on3 reported that Napier is a “top name” for the James Madison gig.
“NEW: Former Florida head coach Billy Napier is a top name to know in the James Madison coaching search, @PeteNakos reports,” On3 posted on X.
Napier was fired from Florida in October amid a 3-4 start. He went 22-23 overall with the Gators and 12-16 in SEC play during his four seasons in Gainesville.
Napier has a history of success in his only stint in the Group of 5. He went 40-12 during his four seasons with Louisiana, winning two Sun Belt championships in 2020 and 2021. He earned Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021.
Napier, 46, has won two national championships as an assistant coach. He won the 2011 title as an analyst for Alabama. He won the 2015 national championship as a wide receivers coach for the Crimson Tide.
Tulane, North Texas or the James Madison gig would provide Napier with a clear path to make the CFP.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
