Texas State and App State leads Buzz Report SBC Top 10 Football Rankings

New Orleans, La (BuzzReport) — The Sun Belt Conference is already living up to its reputation as one of college football’s most unpredictable and competitive leagues, and after a wild second weekend of action, the Buzz Report Media is rolling out its first Top 10 Sun Belt Power Rankings heading into Week 3. While some programs flexed their strength, others stumbled in surprising fashion, leaving fans eager to see who will rise above the early-season turbulence. 

A Statement Win for Texas State

Without question, the most electrifying result of Week 2 came from Texas State, which stunned in-state rival UTSA in a gritty showdown that established the Bobcats as the league’s current standard-bearer. This win wasn’t just about in-state bragging rights—it was about proving Texas State is ready for the national spotlight. The Bobcats is heading for the Pac-12, the program is determined to prove it belongs on the biggest stage of college football, if the Pac-12 is considered that big.

Head coach G.J. Kinne’s aggressive offensive scheme has turned the Bobcats into must-watch football, pairing high-tempo play with resilience down the stretch. After Saturday’s upset, the message is loud and clear: Texas State isn’t just chasing a Sun Belt title this year—it’s putting the rest of the country on notice. 

Louisiana, Coastal, and Southern Miss All Deliver

Elsewhere, Louisiana reminded everyone why the Ragin’ Cajuns have been a mainstay near the top of the Sun Belt picture. Their Week 2 performance showed balance on both sides of the ball, controlling the line of scrimmage and finding ways to execute in clutch moments. 

Coastal Carolina also landed its first win of the season, looking sharper and better prepared after a slow Week 1 start. Quarterback Grayson McCall settled into his rhythm, demonstrating the poise that has made the Chanticleers perennial contenders. 

The real spark, however, came from Southern Miss, which finally looked like a program rediscovering its identity. After inconsistent play in Week 1, the Golden Eagles found their edge, particularly on offense where they leaned into a dynamic backfield attack. This resurgence could be the fuel Southern Miss needs to climb back into contention and fight their way up the rankings in the coming weeks. 

The Struggles of Marshall

On the other side of the spectrum, Marshall endured a gut-wrenching loss, falling to Missouri State, a newly minted FBS program, by a single point. While the Thundering Herd faithful won’t be happy about the result, it’s important to remember the bigger picture: Marshall is in the early stages of a rebuild under a new head coach, and these growing pains were almost inevitable. 

The Herd showed flashes of potential, but consistency and closing out games remain their biggest obstacles. The upside? A close loss now could provide the sort of fire that sparks long-term growth as the program steadies its footing under fresh leadership. 

The Buzz Report’s Official Sun Belt Rankings, Week 3

After weighing Week 2’s highs and lows, here’s where our panel has the conference’s top programs ranked moving forward: 

1. Texas State 2-0– The Bobcats own the league’s signature win so far and look like the team to beat. 
2. Appalachian State 2-0– Still steady, still dangerous, and always lurking near the top of the standings. 
3. Louisiana 1-1 – Gritty and balanced, the Ragin’ Cajuns remain a consistent threat week in and week out. 
4. Coastal Carolina 1-1– The Chanticleers are back on track after a rocky start, with momentum building. 
5. Arkansas State  1-1– A scrappy program that has shown it can battle with anyone. 
6. James Madison 1-1 – Transitioning well to FBS life, the Dukes continue to prove they belong in the conversation. 
7. Troy 1-1 – Are off to a slow start but have the pedigree to recover quickly. 
8. South Alabama 1-1 – With talent on both sides of the ball, the Jaguars remain a dangerous sleeper pick. 
9. Southern Miss 1-1 – After finding their spark in Week 2, the Golden Eagles could have a much higher ceiling under Coach Huff.
10. Old Dominion 1-1 – Despite inconsistencies, the Monarchs have earned a spot in the rankings with grit.

Looking Ahead

The Sun Belt is shaping up to be a proving ground for programs with aspirations far beyond their own conference. Texas State’s victory over UTSA has put the nation’s eyes on the Bobcats, but teams like Appalachian State, Louisiana, and Coastal Carolina are looming, hungry to reclaim glory and keep their own championship hopes alive. 

Meanwhile, Southern Miss and Troy have the chance to change their narratives in the coming weeks, while Marshall’s rebuild will be one of the league’s most intriguing storylines to follow. 

As Week 3 approaches, the only thing certain about the Sun Belt is its uncertainty. Every Saturday promises the possibility of upsets, breakthroughs, and highlight-reel performances that keep this league among the most entertaining in the country. 

Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and Louisiana-Monroe all 0-2 have to find their identity on the field and deliver.

And don’t forget—the Buzz Report Media will release our updated Top 10 rankings every Monday throughout the season. Fans, buckle up. The Sun Belt race is only just beginning, and the ride ahead looks thrilling.