Tulane’s Friday night 38-32 win over No. 22 Memphis wasn't only an exciting game to watch it but it also sent shockwaves through the College Football Playoff (CFP) race, drastically reshaping the Group of Five picture.
The Tigers (8-2, 4-2 AAC), who entered the week as the likely Group of Five representative in the CFP field, saw their postseason hopes take a major hit with their second conference loss of the season. Tulane (7-2, 4-1 AAC), meanwhile, kept its Playoff dreams alive and remains positioned in the chase for a spot as the top Group of Five team.
College Football Playoff Group 5 major shakeups on Friday Night
Before this week, Memphis was positioned as the highest-ranked Group of Five champion in some CFP projections, securing the final spot in the 12-team bracket despite not appearing in the committee’s inaugural Top 25 rankings. Now with two league losses, the Tigers’ chances to represent the Group of Five have diminished, likely opening the door for contenders from other leagues, or even Tulane itself, should the Green Wave continue to win out.
TULANE DEFEATS MEMPHIS IN A CLOSE ONE 🤯
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 8, 2025
Memphis would have been in the CFP if it started before today 😳 pic.twitter.com/HISYscrula
Tulane has three regular-season games left: Florida Atlantic at home on November 15, Temple on the road on November 22, and Charlotte at home on November 29. Memphis will finish its season with two games: at East Carolina on November 15 and Navy at home on November 27.
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