The Cincinnati Bearcats rank 27th - higher than any Group of 5 college football team - in ESPN's 2021 preseason College Football Power Index released Tuesday.
The Bearcats' win-out percentage - or percent of season simulations in which the team won all remaining scheduled games as well as conference championship game if applicable - is 1.5, eighth-highest in the index.
American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco addressed playoff expansion last week by saying, "There will be discussions coming up in a few weeks at the CFP meetings. Do I think some proposals will be made regarding an expanded playoff?