As Season 32 of the National Developmental League (NDL) wraps up, the USA Conference left no shortage of drama, breakthroughs, and upsets. From dominant championship runs to underdog grit, here’s how the power rankings shook out after a long grind of a season.
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1. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (11-2)
Coach: Laumavsman
Notable Achievements: USA Conference Champions
Jacksonville State ran the table when it mattered most. With Coach Laumavsman pulling the strings, the Gamecocks put together a near-flawless campaign. An 11-2 record, capped off with a statement win in the conference title game, leaves no doubt: JSU ran the USA this year. Balanced offense, opportunistic defense, and consistent execution made them the class of the conference.
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2. UTEP Miners (9-3)
Coach: AKPatrick42
Coach AKPatrick42 took UTEP to the next level this season. The Miners quietly stacked wins and became a force few wanted to deal with. Though they didn’t reach the championship game, their 9-3 finish speaks volumes. Tough, disciplined, and efficient—UTEP made their mark and will be a major threat next season.
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3. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-5)
Coach: Skupe
Skupe’s Bulldogs earned their stripes by punching a ticket to the conference championship game. The 8-5 record doesn’t fully capture their fight; they battled through a tough schedule and delivered when the stakes were high. Their presence in the title game was no fluke—they’re trending in the right direction.
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4. Liberty Flames (7-5)
Coach: Mtwasik
Liberty hovered under the radar but finished with a solid 7-5 mark. Coach Mtwasik kept the Flames competitive week after week. They weren’t flashy, but they were consistent—grinding out wins and staying in the thick of the race. With a few key upgrades, Liberty could push into the top tier.
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5. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-6)
Coach: Maverick04
A .500 finish may not sound like much, but Middle Tennessee showed plenty of fight. Coach Maverick04 steered the Blue Raiders through some bumps and bruises, ultimately earning respect with a gritty 6-6 finish. They were never an easy out and proved they belong in the mix.
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6. Sam Houston State Bearkats (7-5)
Sam Houston State quietly put together a winning season, going 7-5, but inconsistencies kept them from breaking into the upper ranks. They picked up quality wins but couldn’t string enough of them together to challenge the top dogs. Still, a winning record is a solid foundation to build on.
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7. FIU Golden Panthers (5-7)
FIU had flashes of promise, but the inconsistency cost them. The Golden Panthers went 5-7 and missed bowl eligibility, but showed glimpses of potential. The challenge moving forward is turning close losses into wins and building a steadier identity.
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8. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-8)
The Hilltoppers struggled to find their footing all season long. A 4-8 finish leaves plenty of room for reflection and rebuilding. The talent gaps were evident at times, but there’s also room for growth if the right pieces come together in the offseason.
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Final Thoughts
The USA Conference in Season 32 was defined by clear tiers: a dominant champion, a strong contender, and a few programs grinding for a breakthrough. Jacksonville State’s title run sets the bar high heading into Season 33—but with UTEP surging and Louisiana Tech gaining steam, the Gamecocks won’t have it easy.
One thing’s clear: the USA Conference is no cakewalk, and the chase for the crown is only getting tighter.
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