MEMPHIS, Tenn. — College football season is 100 days away, and both Memphis and Ole Miss football are predicted to make the College Football Playoffs by ESPN.
This season will be the first time that the playoff structure will expand to include 12 teams, which means more chances to see your favorite compete in postseason play. That includes Memphis as the 12-team playoffs guarantees a spot for a team from the Group of Five.
On Thursday, ESPN put together 10 top ten lists for different categories.
Memphis was ranked at No. 1 in 'Ten G5 teams that can make the playoffs.'
"If Boise State doesn't have the most upside, Memphis does," ESPN's Bill Connelly said. "The Tigers have experience, too. Quarterback Seth Henigan and the receiver duo of Roc Taylor and DeMeer Blankumsee could lead a 40 PPG offense, the defense adds 10 transfers, and Memphis could be favored in every game but its Week 3 trip to Florida State."
Meanwhile, Ole Miss was ranked at No. 1 in 'Ten first-time playoff teams.'
"The Rebels have the talent and the schedule, as veteran quarterback Jaxson Dart returns (23 passing touchdowns, five interceptions last year), and Ole Miss skips Alabama and gets Georgia and Oklahoma at home," ESPN's Heather Dinich said.
Memphis kickoff their season on Saturday Aug, 31st hosting North Alabama. Ole Miss begin their hunt for a playoff spot on the same day, hosting Furman.