Around the state: What’s on tap for FIU, FAU, Stetson, FAMU, B-CU

Conference USA: This has undergone significant team realignments during the last few years, including the losses of UTSA, FAU, and Charlotte to the American Athletic Conference. Liberty topped C-USA behind quarterback Kaidon Salter, who threw for 2,876 yards with 32 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while rushing for 1,089 yards and 12 touchdowns. Their Fiesta Bowl blowout victory against Oregon topped a 13-1 season in the Flames’ first year in the conference. They are the heavy favorites again.

FIU finished ninth at 1-7 in the conference. After starting 3-1, the Panthers only won once, a double-overtime victory vs. Sam Houston. In their four-game losing streak to end the season, the Panthers were outscored by almost 24 points per game. They will need to bolster their ground game and rushing defense to remain competitive.

American Athletic Conference: Conference champ SMU moving to the Atlantic Coastal Conference leaves the top spot open with USF, Memphis, Tulane and UTSA as primary contenders. Memphis, the projected favorite, could make noise as a potential CFP contender with defensive improvement. Seth Henigan is among the nation’s best signal callers, throwing for 3,883 yards and 32 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions last season. He also will have three of his top four receiving threats back. USF is in contention for the first time in years behind quarterback Byrum Brown’s record-breaking season and a strong running game.

Meanwhile, FAU placed 10th in the conference at 3-5 (4-8 overall). The Owls can at least pride themselves on a solid defense and bank on the hopes of more solid quarterback play from Cam Fancher, who transferred in from Marshall.

They will likely finish around East Carolina and Army right outside the AAC contenders.

Pioneer League: Drake was the best passing offense, led by All-PFL second team QB Luke Bailey with more than 2,500 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. He did throw 9 interceptions, which he will need to limit against defenses such as Dayton and San Diego. But with a consistent attack through the air and a defense hungry for takeaways, the Bulldogs will look to repeat as champions. Still, it’s not guaranteed, with St. Thomas and Davidson trailing close behind.

Stetson finished last with its sole conference victory against Presbyterian. Aside from their overtime loss to Valparaiso, the Hatters lost by at least 10 points in their league defeats. The Hatters actually ranked well with passing offense and defense. However, they were torched on the ground, allowing nearly 300 yards per game while averaging just less than 100. Defensive end Alijah Alexander and linebacker Andrew Martin have to deliver to tighten the run defense.

Southwestern Athletic Conference: FAMU capitalized on Deion Sanders’ departure from Jackson State with the East title, an undefeated conference record and a victory against Howard in the Celebration Bowl. The Rattlers added many players from the transfer portal, including former FAU quarterback Daniel Richardson and defensive back Jameel Sanders from USF.

The roster changes, paired with new coach James Colzie III, have many anticipating Alabama A&M as the favorite to win the East. Jackson State also emerges as a sneaky candidate after going 7-6.

Bethune-Cookman only won two conference games, finishing fifth in the East. The Wildcats owned a losing record for the third consecutive season and have not had a winning season since their departure from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

— Jayden Armant