This ability to rebuild a roster with experienced players is especially important in a 12-team College Football Playoff era where the Group of Five is guaranteed at least one automatic bid. Last season, Boise State rode star running back Ashton Jeanty to a Mountain West championship and a first-round bye in the playoff.

But the Tennessee Volunteers hope that isn't the case in the recruitment of one transfer wide receiver. The Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies were likely the early favorites to land Cal transfer receiver Jonathan Brady.