Conference Realignment

Updated on May 8, 2013 by Matt Peloquin

conference realignment sm Conference Realignment

Who is on the move? Who is even on the radar? Keep up with all the conference realignment developments with the Conference Realignment Grid.

Questions, Comments, Updates? Feel free to include them in the comments section below. To discuss this topic and more, visit the Conference Realignment Forums .

	Schools most likely to trigger any potential moves; Or schools who are heavily rumored to move.		Schools on the fringe = schools who could be invited to other conferences
	Schools who have recently changed conferences		Future Domino players? Schools from power conferences who could trigger major moves

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America East	Big 12	Mountain West	Southland
ACC	Big West	MEAC	Summit
Atlantic Sun	CAA	Missouri Valley	SWAC
Atlantic 10	Conference USA	NEC	Sun Belt
American	Horizon League	Ohio Valley	WCC
Big East	Great West	Pac-12	WAC
Big Sky	Ivy League	Patriot	D1 Independents
Big South	MAAC	SEC	D2 Upgrades
Big Ten	MAC	SoCon	FCS Conferences

FBS Football Conferences
ACC Expansion & Realignment: *Status as of 11/27/12:* Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as it’s 14th member, replacing Maryland. As of 11/14/12, the ACC faced a setback on 11/14/12 when founding member Maryland planned their move to the Big Ten. The conference will likely look to Louisville or Uconn to join as the 14th member, a replacement for Maryland. As of 9/12/12, Notre Dame will join the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football. The ACC also announced a $50 million exit fee plan, which will discourage members from leaving. As for 12/5/11, the ACC remains solid at 14. But there have been hints that expansion to 16 could still be an option. Notre Dame and UConn remain the top options. Should Notre Dame make clear they would never join the ACC, then Uconn and Rutgers could be brought in at some point. As of 10/5/11, The ACC is in waiting mode. The future of the Big East (should they lose schools to the Big 12, or TCU to MWC) will dictate the future of Notre Dame. With today’s announcement that Notre Dame will join Hockey East, it does add some speculation that if the Big East were to fall and Notre Dame were to join an all-sports conference, that the ACC could be the pick over the Big Ten. It is believed that if the ACC can get Notre Dame, they would bring in UConn for the #16 school, putting the final blow to the Big East with the ACC fully taking over the northeast region. As of 9/18/11, the ACC officially brought in Pitt and Syracuse as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16 with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn. Texas had been trying to work a deal with the ACC but the ACC has held firm on equal revenue sharing, most lilely removing Texas from the ACC scenario. In early September, the ACC had appeared to be at risk of losing schools such as Florida St. and Virginia Tech to the SEC. But to stablize even prior to expansion, they opted for unity by increasing the exit fee for a school to $20 million. The result? Solidarity and leverge in bringing in new schools. History: Appeared stable until the recent Big 12 realignment and SEC expansion developments. If the ACC were to lose schools to the SEC, the likely replacement would come from the Big East from the pool of Syracuse, UConn, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, WVU, Louisville.
Louisville	News: 11/27/12: Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as it’s 14th member, replacing Maryland. News: 11/14/12: Louisville is a candidate to join the ACC as the #14 member. News: 10/26/11: Louisville is putting pressure on the Big 12 to invite them instead of WVU, a move that seemed finalized yesterday. Sources claim it’s 50/50 on WVU or UL for the post-Missouri #10 spot. News: 10/20/11: Louisville is considered the #2 option for the Big 12 after WVU as a replacement for Missouri. News: 9/8/11: Is considered to be a candidate at some level under some Big 12 scenarios, likely involving other Big East schools (1-4 total). Specs: Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. If any SEC team left, could be a target their as well. Long shot: the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”. News: 8/31/11: Louisville and Pitt are rumored to be candidates for the Big 12 following the departure of Texas A&M. WVU has also been mentioned. Long shot: if the Big 12 lost 7 members and sought replacement to maintain the Big 12, they could be a potential target.

Notre Dame Ind (Football) ACC (BB)	News: 9/12/12: Notre Dame will join the ACCas the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football. News: 10/25/11: Interesting times for Notre Dame. With the Big East falling apart and their rebuilding plans less than desirable for Notre Dame, the school may opt to join the Big 12 as a non-football member. Should they opt to give up independence, the ACC would likely be a top option, despite generating less revenue than the Big Ten. The ACC would give the school more access to the northeast markets via Boston College, Syracuse, and Pitt. UConn would also likely join as #16 if Notre Dame joined for #15. History: Notre Dame participates in the Big East for non-football sports. If there is a football-basketball split, Notre Dame would be desired by both factions. The Big Ten hopes that Notre Dame will eventually join. News: 10/5/11: Notre Dame continues to be a candidate for the ACC until they officially reject the conference. It is believed that Notre Dame would prefer the ACC due to the northeast market presence with Boston College, Syracuse and Pitt as well as the recruiting advantages of the southern based conference. Uconn would likely join Notre Dame in the ACC for #16. News: 6/9/10: Notre Dame could still be an eventual Big Ten member, even if Nebraska were to take the 12th spot. Notre Dame would be more interested in the Big Ten if something happened to the Big East and there were a split. If this happened, Notre Dame would likely chose the Big Ten over a basketball-only conference with the other Big East members, or a new conference with the Big East football schools. News: 11/13/04: Notre Dame had been rumored to have contacted the ACC regarding potential all-sports membership. Contact is also said to have been made to the Big Ten. The 11 team Big Ten has gone on record as saying that Notre Dame has an open invite to join at any time. Probable: Remains as an independent in football and the Big East for all other sports. Possible: Joins the Big Ten when they expand. Long shot: Joins the ACC as it’s 13th member.

Syracuse	NEWS: 7/16/12: Syracuse will leave the Big East a year early, joining the ACC, with an exit fee of $7.5 million. NEWS: 9/18/11: Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn. __________________ Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: if left out of the Big Ten, the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.

Pittsburgh	NEWS: 7/18/12: Pitt will leave the Big East a year early, joining the ACC, with an exit fee of $7.5 million. NEWS: 9/18/11: Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn. ____________________ News: 9/8/11: Is considered to be a candidate at some level under some Big 12 scenarios, likely involving other Big East schools (1-4 total). News: 8/31/11: Louisville and Pitt are rumored to be candidates for the Big 12 following the departure of Texas A&M. WVU has also been mentioned. Prospects: Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: if left out of the Big Ten, the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.

Boston College	Joined the ACC for the 2005 football season and is the northern most member. Many in the Big East would love to see BC return, but in the economic climate of college sports, that move would be unlikely. Long shot: mentioned as a long shot candidate for the Big Ten if they expanded to 16.

Clemson	No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.Has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the SEC should they expand to 14.Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar

Duke	Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.

Florida State	With Maryland off to the Big Ten, Florida St. could revisit their options such as the Big 12. History: No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC, but has been a popular rumored candidate for the SEC should they expand to 14. News: 8/12/11: Florida St. rumored to be potential candidate for SEC #14 spot Possible: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate. Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar

Georgia Tech	No intentions of leaving the ACC. Like Clemson, Florida St. and Virginia Tech, has been rumored to be a potential SEC target for expansion to 14 .Long shot: if the SEC or Big 12 expanded, they could be a candidate.

NC State	Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.

North Carolina	Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.

Virginia	Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.

Wake Forest	Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.

Virginia Tech	News: 8/30/11: Has been rumored to be the top candidate for the SEC potential #14 spot but has gone on the record multiple timesexpressing their disinterest in leaving the ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate. History: Joined the ACC for the 2004 football season.

Miami	Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.Joined the ACC for the 2004 football season.

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American Athletic Conference Expansion & Realignment: *Status as of 4/02/13:* The new conference name is the American Athletic Conference. As of 3/26/13, Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be "promoted" to an all-sports member. As of 3/7/12, per reports, the conference will likely opt for the name "America 12". As of 2/28/13, per reports, the 7 Catholic schools who are departing the Big East will do so and retain the Big East name. As of 1/16/13, SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. As of 12/31/12, Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. As of 11/27/12, the Big East is at a crossroads as the 7 non-football schools are arranging to split from the football schools in some capacity. This might mean they leave to form a new conference or are able to retain the name forcing the football schools to leave. The split is something that has seemingly been destinated to happen since 2003. As of 11/27/12, Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as it’s 14th member, replacing Maryland, the same day that the Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. The conference might not stop there with rumors out of the home office that they are considering 16 football schools. As of 11/14/12, the Big East took another step back when Rutgers left to join the Big Ten. With Maryland leaving the ACC, the Big East will likely lose another school to the ACC such as UConn or Louisville. The Big East took a blow on 9/12/12 when Notre Dame joined the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football. As for 3/07/12, the Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee). As of 1/23/12, The Big East, looking to replentish their basketball product due to the losses of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and WVU, has added Memphis for all-sports, joining in the 2013 season. As of 1/23/12, the Big East added Navy for the 2015 season. The conference hopes this will help convince Air Force to join as the 12th member to premit a conference championship game, while adding to the conferences new western membership front. As of 12/07/11, The Big East has finally pulled the trigger on expansion, bringing in UCF, Houston and SMU for all-sports and Boise St. and San Diego St. for football only. Air Force has already passed and Navy remain options for football-only membership as well. Should they pass, then schools like Temple or even Memphis will be considered for all-sports, ECU for football-only. It also appears that with the additions of the 2 western schools, other schools in the region like UNLV could be included. As of 11/21/11, The Big East expansion plan has moved at a snails pace. For some reason, while waiting to finalize everything with schools liek Air Force, Navy, BYU and Boise St., the Big East has delayed an announcement of adding UCF, SMU and Houston. Instead of a staggered announcement plan to maintain “buzz” on the Big East, it appears the Big East is instead waiting until all schools are lined up. The delay is causing some turmoil at UCF, Houston and SMU, with Houston missing an opportunity to use their ESPN Gameday hosting on Saturday, November 19th as an opportunity to promote the Big East. The delay with BYU seems to be TV revenue where ESPN/BYU want to retain all home broadcast revenue while the Big East expects the lague to absord that revenue. As of 10/27/11, hhe Big East has lost WVU to the Big 12. They are still going forward with the plan to add UCF, SMU and Houston for all-sports with Boise St. and Air Force for football only along with Navy. Temple will likely be considered as well for the vacated WVU spot, for football only or all-sports. As of 10/25/11, The Big East is still in waiting mode. Missouri is expected to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, opening up a spot in the Big 12 for frontrunner WVU. When WVU leaves the Big East, schools like Boise St. and Air Force may be less inclined to join the Big East for football-only. CUSA members UCF, Houston and SMU seem more likely to accept full membership in the Big East despite the expected loss of WVU. Should the Big 12 opt to expand to 12, Louisville will likely be part of the incoming class, a move that would lower the Big East total membership to 4 football members. At that point, the Big East will need to decide: 1) expand with 4-6 all-sports schools such as UCF, Houston, SMU, Temple, etc and hope it is enough to retain the BCS AQ 2) drop football sponsorship and allow the 4 football members to seek football-only membership in the CUSA/MWC partnership 3) invite 4 all-sports members to keep FBS football and include football only members such as ECU to add to the membership totals As of 10/6/11, TCU was formally invited to the Big 12 to be the 12th member. This brings the Big East to 6 football members. Louisville and WVU continue to be options for the Big 12 should they lose Missouri and need a new #10 school. If they expand to 12 with or without Missouri, Lousiville and WVU are considered top candidates. Cincinnati to also on the rdar to some extent if Missouri left and the Big 12 opted to expand to 12. As in previous weeks, Uconn and Rutgers continue to hope that the ACC offers them invitations. As of 10/5/11: The Big East, like the Big 12, is on life support. With the losses of Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC, the conference is now at 7 members for football. Potential candidates now include: UCF, SMU, Air Force and Temple for all sports, with Navy, Villanova & ECU for football-only options. Temple is also a football-only option. Oddly, Houston is not a top option now. Memphis is not considered an option either. But the Big East is now in a position where they risk loosing further members: - Rutgers and UConn remain potential flight risks to the ACC schould they expand to 16 - WVU remains a target for the SEC #14 spot – Louisville, WVU, TCU, Cincinnati and even Rutgers remain on the radar for a rebuilt Big 12 should Texas remain - TCU could opt to remain in the Mountain West At one point, a scenario existed where Big 12 remnants and the Big East form some type of union. It had appeared that the Big East had to power hand at 9, willing to bring in the likes of Kansas, Kansas St., Missouri, Iowa St. and Baylor. But now, a Big 12 with 7 members including Texas could easily woo select Big East schools. As of 9/8/11, the Big East was actively looking to expand to 10 football members, considering football expansion to 12, but would prefer football only candidates. If the SEC expands, there will likely be trickle down with the Big East losing schools to ACC, SEC, Big 12. Potential expansion candidates include Houston, UCF, Villanova, Navy/Army, Temple, East Carolina, Memphis. With Texas A&M leaving the Big 12, there is always the threat that the Pac-12 will revisit adding schools such as Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. If such a thing happened, the Big East would likely look to add most/all of the remaining schools if available from the Big 12: Missouri, Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St., Baylor.
Tulsa	NEWS: 3/26/13: Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be "promoted" to an all-sports member. News: 11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.

East Carolina	NEWS: 3/26/13: Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be "promoted" to an all-sports member. News: 11/27/12: The Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. ECU still needs to fie a temporary home for non-football sports. History: Provides near top 25 caliber football but little for basketball and virtually no market or state following. Recent 2007 rumblings have a CUSA split into an eastern conference and a new Southwest Conference. Long shot: joins the Big East football-only members following a suture split Possible: Replaces a Big East team should one be part of Big Ten expansion

Tulane	News: 11/27/12: The Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. History: Offers New Orleans market but is suffering from some severe financial issues. Admins discussed dropping football to FCS or eliminating it. Announced they are remaining in FBS.

Temple	News: 3/7/12: The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee).News: 2/10/12: Temple is in an interesting position. They are still on the Big East radar to some extend for membership in a number of ways – football only, basketball-only, and all-sports. But with the recent Big East membership changes, Temple is likely out of the Big East plans due to the Memphis all-sports addition. Temple also remains a candidate to join the newly merged CUSA/MWC conference. Likely, they would be a football-only member. But the school could be slotted in for all-sports with nearby Marshall and ECU. News: 10/5/11: Temple is being considered for either an all-sports or football-only membership in the Big East. History: Long shot: Joins the football side of a split Big East conference Longershot: if the ACC needed replacements and the Big East schools were mostly in the Big Ten, Temple might draw some interest if they were teamed with BC and another regional school (like UConn). Long shot: is one of the schools on CUSA radar in their 18 team scenario.

Navy (Patriot for Basketball)	News: 1/23/12: Navy is set to join the Big East in 2015 News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a Big East football only group comprised of Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/7/11: The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East Would consider Big East membership if invited (and the conference stable). History: turned down CUSA twice.

Memphis	NEWS: Feb 7, 2012: Happy days are here again for Memphis. After being passed over by the Big East in favor of SMU, Houston, UCF for all-sports and SDSU, Boise St. and Navy for football, Memphis has finally be added to the Big East stable. While the lineup looks more like CUSA now, Memphis at least was not left behind. A good market with a good basketball program. Football program is on the ups. History: Long shot: joins the Big East years down the road should the football schools split from the basketball schools Possible: replaces a Big East team should one be part of Big Ten expansion . Depending on how the Big 12 is effected, Memphis could be on their radar. Long shot: if the Big 12 lost 7 members and sought replacement to maintain the Big 12, they could be a potential target.

SMU	News: 12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU. News: 12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC. News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a group to join the Big East for all sports (UCF, SMU, Houston) along with football only members Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/07/11: The school remains expected to accept a Big East invitation to join for all sports. News: 10/5/11: SMU is being considered as a Big East replacement News: 9/1/11: SMU is actively pursuing the Big 12 to replace a departing TAMU. History: Comfortable in CUSA. Like Rice, could be a future Big 12 option. Could be targeted by the MWC for expanson to 12 schools.

Central Florida	News: 12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC. News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a group to join the Big East for all sports (UCF, SMU, Houston) along with football only members Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/07/11: The school remains expected to accept a Big East invitation to join for all sports. History: A top candidate for the Big East should they expand. Comfortable in CUSA, but hoping for Big East if there is a split. Possible: replaces a Big East team should one be part of Big Ten expansion

Houston	News: 12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU. News: 12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC. News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a group to join the Big East for all sports (UCF, SMU, Houston) along with football only members Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/07/11: The school remains expected to accept a Big East invitation to join for all sports. News: 9/8/11: Is considered to be a candidate at some level under some Big 12 scenarios. Houston is also a candidate for the Big East #10 spot should the landscape remain stable. Possible (2/10/12): if Big 12 expands from 10 to 12, could be a candidate History: Long shot: joins with Big East football members Long shot: if the Big 12 lost 7 members and sought replacement to maintain the Big 12, they could be a potential target.

Connecticut	News: 11/14/12: Uconn is a candidate to join the ACC as the #14 member. Uconn is holding out hope that the ACC will send them a life raft. Uconn could be the ACC #16 school if Notre Dame opts to join as #15. If Notre Dame passes, Uconn will need to hope that the ACC finds enough appeal in Rutgers. Longshot: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar

Cincinnati	News: 11/27/12: Cincinnati is considered an ACC expansion candidate at this time. Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. Possible (2/10/12): if Big 12 expands from 10 to 12, could be a candidate

South Florida	Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. If any ACC team in Florida left, could be a target their as well.
Jump to the Catholic 7 section for the current Big East non-football schools
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Big Ten Expansion & Realignment Status as of 11/14/12: The Big Ten has expanded to 14, adding Rutgers and Maryland. As of 9/1/11, all was stable. Would likely only expand if Notre Dame were available or if the current conference trend changed to 14 or 16 schools. Recently stated they are not looking to expand, but if “super conferences” came to be, might look at schools like Missouri, Syracuse, Pitt, Uconn, Boston College, Rutgers, etc.
Maryland	News: 11/14/12: The Big Ten has expanded to 14, adding Rutgers and Maryland. History: Rumored candidate for Big Ten should they expand beyond 12 Probable: No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: Big Ten could court them in a 16 team scenario; if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.

Rutgers	News: 11/14/12: Rutgers was holding out hope that the ACC will send them a life raft as #16 with Uconn as #15. Instead of a life raft from the ACC, Rutgers got a cruise ship via an inviation from the Big Ten. News: 9/8/11: Is considered to be a candidate at some level under some Big 12 scenarios, likely involving other Big East schools (1-4 total). Specs: Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: if left out of the Big Ten, the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.

Illinois	Very stable.

Indiana	Very stable.

Iowa	Very stable.

Michigan	Very stable.

Michigan State	Very stable.

Minnesota	Very stable.

Nebraska	News: 6/11/10: Nebraska has accepted an invitation to become the 12th member of the Big Ten, leaving the Big 12. ————————————————————- News: 6/9/10: Rumored to have accepted Big Ten invite Considered a necessary component for the Big 12 to remain intact.

Northwestern	Very stable.

Ohio State	Very stable.

Penn State	Very stable.

Purdue	Very stable.

Wisconsin	Very stable.
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Big 12 Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 11/07/11:* Missouri has officially joined the SEC, expected to begin play in 2012. This likely means the Big 12 will operate with only 9 schools for 2012 as they await WVU a year later. As of 10/27/11, WVU has been invited and accepted to join the Big 12. Missouri is expected to join the SEC, keeping the membership numbers at 10. There is still a chance that Louisville and perhaps a 12th school could be invited, but it appears 10 will be the number. As of 10/25/11, The Big 12 is still waiting on Missouri, although it appears Missouri will announce plans to join the SEC in the coming days. WVU is considered the top option to replace Missouri, followed by Louisville. BYU is still on the radar but it seems more likely they join under a 12 school scenario. The conference is not yet set on remaining at 10 or expanding to 12. Notre Dame is also being pursued as a non-football member should they opt to leave the Big East. As of 10/5/11, the big 12 is still all over the place. The conference make strides in opting for equal revenue sharing for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 rights, a big win for all the schools not names Oklahoma or Texas. However, Missouri has cold feet. On 10/4/11, the school voted to consider all it’s options. This means Missouri will consider the SEC. If no formal invitation is extended, Missouri will remain in the Big 12. The school might opt to remain even with an SEC invitation, although that would seem to be a long shot. As of 9/18/11, the Big 12 plans was still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Texas was considering it’s options, with a defection to the Pac-12 or rebuilding the Big 12 as the top options. Joining the ACC with Pitt and Syracuse and likely a 16th school, Notre Dame or Rutgers was being considered, but has lost any traction due to the ACC stance on equal revenue sharing. However, with the Big East losing 2 schools and potentially losing 2 more, it did give the Big 12 more power in it’s own control. Baylor & others threatened legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they would waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, were evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opted to leave, Texas reportedly could have remained in a rebuilt Big 12 but would have still had the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Missouri remained a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools.
Baylor	News: 9/8/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future. News: 6/12/10: Baylor reportedly not in the mix for the MWC if Big 12 folds. MWC member TCU would block them. Kansas, KSU and Missouri still options. News: 6/9/10/; Reportedly NOT one of the six Big 12 schools to potentially defect to the Pac-10. Options IF the Big 12 folded: Big East: 4-5 remaining Big 12 schools join the Big East MWC: joins the MWC as the 10th – 14th school CUSA: could be part of CUSA Old News: The school has made strong strides in recent years to find stability after a basketball scandal. Old News: In one of the most stable conferences, but has had some economic troubles, as well a complete revamp to the athletic office and basketball program. One of the top academic institution of the Big 12 and serves a role similar to Vanderbilt in the SEC: scholars, not athletes.

Iowa State	News: 9/8/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10/; Reportedly NOT one of the six Big 12 schools to potentially defect to the Pac-10. Options IF the Big 12 folded: Big East: 4-5 remaining Big 12 schools join the Big East MWC: joins the MWC as the 10th – 14th school CUSA: could be part of CUSA

Kansas	News: 9/8/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10/; Reportedly NOT one of the six Big 12 schools to potentially defect to the Pac-10. Options IF the Big 12 folded: Big East: 4-5 remaining Big 12 schools join the Big East MWC: joins the MWC as the 10th – 14th school CUSA: could be part of CUSA

Kansas State	News: 9/8/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10/; Reportedly NOT one of the six Big 12 schools to potentially defect to the Pac-10. Options IF the Big 12 folded: Big East: 4-5 remaining Big 12 schools join the Big East MWC: joins the MWC as the 10th – 14th school CUSA: could be part of CUSA

Oklahoma	News: 9/8/11: Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. continue to consider the Pac-12 as an option, with or without Texas. But the Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Missouri remains a candidate for the eventual #14 SEC spot (although they would prefer to join the Big Ten). Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.

Oklahoma St.	News: 9/8/11: Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. continue to consider the Pac-12 as an option, with or without Texas. But the Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Missouri remains a candidate for the eventual #14 SEC spot (although they would prefer to join the Big Ten). Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.

Texas	News: 9/9/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, are evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opt to leave, Texas reportedly might remain in a rebuilt Big 12 but would still have the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Missouri remains a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10. History: Was flirted with by the Pac 10 in the 90′s, but was talked out of that move by the admins of fellow Big 12 school Texas Tech. Doubtful they would listen to the PAC 10 again. Rumors have flurried that the SEC has considered expanding to 14 and that Texas and Texas A&M would be the most likely candidates. Texas would provide a new market for the conference, but it would mean dividing the SEC pot with 2 more teams. Texas has also been rumored to have considered forming a new conference with Oklahoma and select Big 12 schools along with other potential schools like Arkansas. Texas is rumored to be a potential target by the Big Ten…a long shot for sure. They are also on the Pac-10 wish list and perhaps even the SEC if they expanded.

TCU	News: 10/6/11: TCU has been invited to the Big 12 an expected to join for the 2012-2013 season. The move to the Big 12 would mean the school would never compete in the Big East, leaving before officially joining. TCU has been one of the most active schools in Division 1, left behind when the SWC folded, moved to the WAC, to CUSA, to MWC, to Big East in theory, and now the Big 12. The massive number of Big 12 alumni in the Dallas area should be happy they now have a Big 12 school in their market. News: 10/5/11: TCU is in a good spot. They are considered a top candidate for the Big 12. If they are not invited and others are like Louisville or WVU, hurting the Big East, TCU would likely opt to remain in the Mountain West. News: 9/8/11: While TCU is not a prominent candidate for the Big 12, they remain on the radar in the event that the Big 12 needs multiple replacements schould TAMU, missouri, Oklahoma and OSU leave. NEWS: 11/29/10: TCU has joined the Big East as it’s 9th football and 17th all-sports member. Specs: Offers the Dallas/Ft. Worth market. History: 6/10/04: Newest MWC member would still be considered for the Big XII should they expand or need replacements. 1/31/04: TCU has accepted an invitation from the Mountain West. 1/22/04: Mountain West is expected to make it’s final plans by Feb. 1st. TCU is expected to receive an invitation. Should the MWC expand by 2, Boise State is expected to receive an invitation.

Texas Tech	News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.

West Virginia	News: 10/27/11: WVU has been invited and accepted to join the Big 12. News: 10/26/11: Louisville is putting pressure on the Big 12to invite them instead of WVU, a move that seemed finalized yesterday. Sources claim it’s 50/50 on WVU or UL for the post-Missouri #10 spot. News: 10/25/11: WVU is expended to be joining the Big 12 News: 10/20/11: WVU is considered the frontrunner to join the Big 12to replace Missouri when that school leaves for the SEC. News: 9/8/11: Is considered to be a candidate at some level under some Big 12 scenarios, likely involving other Big East schools (1-4 total). WVU is also considered to be a candidate for the SEC #14 spot. News: 8/31/11: Louisville and Pitt are rumored to be candidates for the Big 12 following the departure of Texas A&M. WVU has also been mentioned. News 8/30/11: With the SEC expected to expand to 14, WVU has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Prospects: Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East.If any SEC team left, would be a target their as well. Long shot: the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.
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Conference USA Realignment & Expansion *Status as of 3/30/13:* WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season. As of 3/26/13, Tulsa will join the Big East conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be "promoted" to an all-sports member. As of 11/28/12, Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU. As of 11/27/12, the Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. As of 5/17/12, ODU and CUSA made it official: ODU will join CUSA in 2013. As of 5/1/12, The CUSA & Mountain West merger has been put aside in what will likely be in favor of a football-only alliance. As a result, both CUSA and the Mountain West will be replentishing it’s lost members. CUSA will be adding UTSA along with likely North Texas and Florida International and Louisiana Tech. Charlotte and ODU will join for #13 and #14. The Mountain West will be adding Utah St. and San Jose St. to grow it’s membership to 10 football members. On 4/26/12, news broke that CUSA will be adding UTSA along with likely North Texas and Florida International and Louisiana Tech As of 3/26/12, despite all the planning for a full CUSA/MWC merger, the merger plan has been shelved due to issues regarding finances and the NCAA. While the original plan appeared to originally be a a means to save money while improving the television contract, it actually would require too much of a financial forfeiture of tournament revenue to off-set any gains of an improved television contract. with dissolving both conference to form a new conference off the table, (2) options remain: 1) remain as two seperate conferences, or 2) eliminate 1 conference through a full merger. CUSA will have to decide on remaining at 8 (less schools to split revenue with) or to expand. Schools such as North Texas, FIU, FAU, Charlotte, UTSA, Appalachian St, LA Tech will likely be the top candidates. CUSA Timeline from 10/5/11 until the 2/12/12 PROPOSED CUSA/Mountain West merger announcement: As of 2/12/12, It was official: Starting in 2013, Conference USA and Mountain West conference will both fold, then merge schools to form a new conference. Membership will include all 15 all-sports schools, with Hawaii for football only. Schools such as Temple, Utah St. and San Jose St. are also expected to be considered as membership could grow to 18-24 schools. Other WAC and Sunbelt schools could also be in the mix. As of 2/7/12, CUSA is facing yet another departure as Memphis will be joining the Big East. The conference must now consider whether they will merge for all-sports with the Mountain West conference, form a football-only alliance, or bring in expansion candidates. With the cache a bit down for CUSA, they could lose a school such as UTEP to the MWC if a merger does not go through. If CUSA seeks replacements, North Texas, Temple and WAC schools such as LA Tech, UTSA and Texas St. are candidates. As of 12/07/11, CUSA has recently lost 3 members: UCF, Houston and SMU to the Big East, bringing their membership total to 9 members. The conference is considering a merge with the MWC, bringing their all-sports membership to 16 with 17 for football, allowing a true east and west divisional alignment. If the all-sports merger fails, CUSA would likely look to schools such as North Texas, LA Tech, Temple, UTSA, Texas St. and potential FCS upgrades to replace the missing schools. As of 10/25/11, CUSA and the Mountain West have announced a football partnership. The new group will operate as a 22 school conference for football only. Both conferences are both waiting on decisions by members UCF, SMU and Houston from CUSA and Boise St. and Air Force from the MWC regarding the Big East. If all leave, membership will be at 9 for CUSA and 8 for MWC. Utah St. would likely be a candidate for the MWC, in which case the group may opt to remain at 9/9 divisions. Other schools that will be considered include North Texas (to replace lost Dallas market by SMU) and UTSA. It is also not overly unlilkely that CUSA could add Texas schools and “send” UTEP to the MWC football division. In this scenario, the MWC would go from 8 to 10 with UTEP and Utah St., while CUSA went to 10 with North Texas and UTSA. As of 10/5/11, Conference USA is in an interesting position. They are poised to perhaps lose UCF and SMU to the Big East. Houston is also somewhat of a target. However, the conference might end up being a winner. If the Big East were to lose Louisville and WVU to Big 12, and TCU to Big 12 or MWC, the Big East would be down to 4 schools: UConn, Rutgers, Cincinnati and USF. CUSA might be able to pull a cpoup and bring in all 4 for football-only. Perhaps even Cincinnati and USF for all-sports. Regardless, schools like UCF and SMU might not be willing to jump to the Big East if it were those lone 4 schools. Uconn and Rutgers also remain targets for the ACC, meaning CUSA could “rescue” USF and Cincinnati with all-sports invites. As of 9/11/11, the conference would be considered stable but members could be targeted by several other conferences such as the Big East (Houston, UCF, Memphis, ECU) and Big 12 (Houston, SMU). Should CUSA need to add replacements, potential candidates include North Texas, Temple, Charlotte, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, Troy, UTSA, Texas St., New Mexico St., FAU and FIU.
Western Kentucky	NEWS: 3/30/13: WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season. 2007: Upgraded to FBS and Sunbelt for all sports. Old News: 5/1/05: The Sunbelt school have not been mentioned as looking for other homes. As long as football is still even considering a FBS upgrade, they will remain in the Sunbelt. It would be to their best interest to consider a move to a stronger basketball conference such as the Missouri Valley. The MVC has been rising up the RPI charts of late and WKU could help that mission. Even schools in the cellar have hope: Dr. Tom Davis has taken over the Drake program, and former Hampton coach, Steve Merfeld heads the Evansville team. 5/1/04: WKU has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the MAC for the 2006 season. They would join for all sports including an upgrade to FBS football. Possible: joins MAC Possible: joins CUSA

Florida Atlantic	News: 11/28/12: Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU History: Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by an eastern-based CUSA if there were a Southwest conference split their. Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC should they seek replacements

Middle Tennessee St.	News: 11/28/12: Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by CUSA if there were a Southwest conference split. Old News: Was on the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP, but passed over. Possible: Has been mentioned as a candidate to join the MAC. Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC should they seek replacements

Southern Miss	News: 11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.

UAB	News: 11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.

Marshall	News: 11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.

Rice	Comfortable in CUSA; if a spot opened in the Big 12 and other options were exhausted, the Big 12 might consider Rice.

UTEP	News: 11/07/11: With CUSA expected to lose 3 schools, bringing their number to 9, and the MWC potentially losing 2 schools to drop to 8, there is a chance that UTEP will move to the MWC with CUSA adding a school such as North Texas. CUSA and MWC are expected to have a football partnership, even if the membership numbers drop to 18. Updates: UTEP rumored to be one fo the possibile candidates for MWC expansion to 12 Background: An unlikely MWC candidate, but still one nonetheless. The MWC formed to lessen the travel for its members in the oversized 16-team league. UTEP was left out of the mix. But they have had impressive football attendance numbers, despite little on-field success until 2004. The MWC could consider UTEP (who would be a strong rival for New Mexico and TCU) as a member. Ideally, the MWC could add UTEP, Fresno and Boise St, and avoid the travel problems associated with adding Hawaii. 5/01/04: UTEP has accepted an invitation to join CUSA for the 2005 season. Long shot: Joins MWC Longest shot: Brought in by the Big XII to replace Missouri, should they ever join the Big Ten.

Texas-San Antonio	News: 4/20/12: UTSA will join CUSA for the 2013 season. Upon official announcment, this section will be moved to CUSA. News: 3/25/12: School has an informal invitation from the Sun Belt. NEWS: 11/4/10: Will join the WAC conference —— Will sponsor football and hopes to be at the FBS level. Possible: Joins Sunbelt Possible: Joins CUSA/MWC

Louisiana Tech	News: 4/20/12: Louisiana Tech will be moving to CUSA as member #12 (with UTSA, North Texas and FIU) History: With all the stability issues regarding the WAC, every school is keeping it’s options open. Some have potential for the Mountain West or CUSA, while others could become targets by the Sunbelt. LA Tech doesn’t offer much of a market, but has decent programs and facilities. Considered highly by CUSA before they eventually chose UTEP. Possible: remain in the WAC Possible: Leaves the WAC for the Sunbelt, a better regional fit. Long shot: candidate for CUSA should they seek replacements

Florida International	NEWS: 4/20/12: Florida International will join CUSA in 2013.

North Texas	NEWS: 4/20/12: North Texas is expected to join CUSA in 2013. History: Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by CUSA if there were a Southwest conference split. Possible: candidate for CUSA/MWC should they seek replacements History: On the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, and UTEP. Considered highly by CUSA before they eventually chose UTEP.

Charlotte	News: 5/1/12: Charlotte will be joining CUSA for the 2013 season, with football joining once they are ready for FBS. News: 4/20/12: Charlotte is expected to move to CUSA(if it is selected over LA Tech for the final spot) or to the Sun Belt. News: 3/25/12: School has an informal invitation from the Sun Belt. Would play football there once upgrading to FBS. Charlotte is expected to accept unless a CUSA/MWC invite were issued instead. Currently, LA Tech is leading Charlotte for the final CUSA spot available. History: Would be an appealing option should the Big East split into 2 conferences. Has announced aspirations to start football “at the highest level”. But will participate in football by 2013 at the FCS level. At FBS level, could try to reunite with former CUSA mates or even Sunbelt. Likely: starts football and upgrades to FBS in the next few years as an independent. Long shot: joins CUSA/MWC for football or all-sports Long shot: joins Sunbelt for all-sports Long shot: joins Big East for all-sports

Old Dominion	News: 5/1/12: ODU will be joining CUSA for the 2013 season. They will eventually upgrade football to FBS and participate in that conference. News: 4/29/12: With the GMU and VCU to the A10 discussions, ODU might speed up any FBS plans to ensure a spot in either CUSA or the Sun Belt. History: The Norfolk, VA. market team is stable, but could draw some interest by the Atlantic 10 should replacement teams be needed or the conference expanded. Has thought about a future in FBS, likely contingent on upgrades by area schools such as JMU, Delaware and Georgia St.
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Mountain West Realignment & Expansion *Status as of 1/16/13:* SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. As of 12/31/12, Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. As of 4/29/12, The CUSA & Mountain West merger has been put aside in what will likely be in favor of a football-only alliance. As a result, both CUSA and the Mountain West will be replentishing it’s lost members. CUSA will be adding UTSA along with likely North Texas and Florida International and Louisiana Tech. Charlotte and ODU will join for #13 and #14. The Mountain West will be adding Utah St. and San Jose St. to grow it’s membership to 10 football members. As of 3/26/12, despite all the planning for a full CUSA/MWC merger, the merger plan has been shelved due to issues regarding finances and the NCAA. While the original plan appeared to originally be a a means to save money while improving the television contract, it actually would require too much of a financial forfeiture of tournament revenue to off-set any gains of an improved television contract. with dissolving both conference to form a new conference off the table, (2) options remain: 1) remain as two seperate conferences, or 2) eliminate 1 conference through a full merger. The MWC will likely look to add Utah St. and San Jose St. to bring their membership numbers to 10 for football and 9 for all-sports. Air Force is still a threat to leave for the Big East. The conference will likely remain at 9/10 to save space for Boise St. and SDSU should they seek to rejoin. Mountain West Timeline from 10/5/11 until the 2/12/12 PROPOSED Conference USA & Mountain West merger: As of 2/12/12, It was official: Starting in 2013, Conference USA and Mountain West conference will both fold, then merge schools to form a new conference. Membership will include all 15 all-sports schools, with Hawaii for football only. Schools such as Temple, Utah St. and San Jose St. are also expected to be considered as membership could grow to 18-24 schools. Other WAC and Sunbelt schools could also be in the mix. As of 12/8/12, The Mountain West recetly lost Boise St. and SDSU to the Big East for non-football sports. Air Force has passed on the Big East. The 8 member MWC seems destined to either merge all-sports with CUSA or remain at 8. If they lose Air Force as well, the conference would likely merge with CUSA as adding Utah St. and SJSU, the only two schools the conference has looked at, would only bring their membership total to 9…with few other options if other schools left. As of 10/25/11, CUSA and the Mountain West have announced a football partnership. The new group will operate as a 22 school conference for football only. Both conferences are both waiting on decisions by members UCF, SMU and Houston from CUSA and Boise St. and Air Force from the MWC regarding the Big East. If all leave, membership will be at 9 for CUSA and 8 for MWC. Utah St. would likely be a candidate for the MWC, in which case the group may opt to remain at 9/9 divisions. Other schools that will be considered include North Texas (to replace lost Dallas market by SMU) and UTSA. It is also not overly unlilkely that CUSA could add Texas schools and “send” UTEP to the MWC football division. In this scenario, the MWC would go from 8 to 10 with UTEP and Utah St., while CUSA went to 10 with North Texas and UTSA. As of 10/5/11, The Mountain West might actually benefit from this years movement. While Boise St. remains a potential target by the Big 12, the MWC might retain all it’s current members. They also might retain TCU should the Big East lose more members and TCU opt to remain in the MWC. Claims to be happy at 10 but rumors about adding two more for a conference championship have been on going for months. The recent Big 12 developments have likely put those thoughts on hold as they wait to see if anything drastic happens in the Big 12, freeing up schools like Kansas, Kansas St., Missouri, etc. Should the MWC need any replacements should the Big 12 take any schools, or seek to expand to 12, the likely candidates include: Houston, SMU, UTEP, Utah State, San Jose State.
San Diego State	News: 1/16/13: SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. News: 12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU. News: 12/07/11: The Big East has expanded with 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC. News: 11/7/11: SDSU is trying to be included in the proposed Big East expansion Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. If the league voted to expand, and the California schools had pressure put on them by the state government, the league could add a 5^th California team. Would also add the San Diego market.

Boise State	News: 12/31/12: Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. News: 8/24/12: Boise St. has joined the Big West for non-football sports, effective 8/1/13. Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: The newest WAC member, as a result of Boise St. moving it’s football program to the Big East. Should the WAC fold, Boise St. will have a few options. Options if the WAC folds: – seek membership in the Big Sky for non-football sports – join the Summit League for non-football sports – Try again to get the Big West to accept them for non-football sports History: News: 12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC. News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a Big East football only group comprised of Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/7/11: The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East News: 6/11/10: Boise St. has officially accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West, starting July 2011. —————————————————————– Becomes an even more attractive candidate each year with the success of their football program. Acceptable market, strong football program with decent facilities. Humanitarianism bowl helps their case. 6/9/20: did not receive an invitation from the MWC as the MWC opted to wait to see what happens to the Big 12. Boise St. could still get an eventual invite. 12/20/2008: Boise St. has been more public about their interest in the MWC Likely: remains in WAC Possible: If the MWC expands to 10-12, Boise State will be included.

Air Force	News: 12/08/11: Air Force has officially passed on the Big East News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a Big East football only group comprised of Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/7/11: The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East NEWS: 9/8/11: Is considered to be one of the candidates for the Big12 if/when Texas A&M leaves. Long shot: was considered a candidate for the Big 12 should they seek to replace departing schools (only applicable if the Big 12 remained intact) Long shot: Should the PAC10 expand, Air Force could be brought in along with BYU.

Colorado St	Stable Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12, especially if Colorado were persuaded to join. Long shot: candidate should the big 12 need replacements

New Mexico	Stable Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded beyond 12. Would provide the league with the Albuquerque market, settled next to Pac 10 schools Arizona and ASU. Long shot: candidate should Big 12 need replacements

Fresno State	News: 8/19/10: The school has accepted in invitation to join the Mountain West conference starting in 2012. If and when the Mountain West expands, Fresno State could be on their list. The question will be how many teams. Word out of the MWC is that they are taking a careful approach to expansion, and aren’t looking to expand to 12 right away. Fresno St. has dropped partial qualifiers in an attempt to improve their appeal to the MWC and PAC10. Likely: remains in WAC Possible: joins the MWC Long shot: will additional pressure put on the Pac 10 presidents by the California state government, Fresno State, along with San Diego State join the PAC 12.

Nevada	News: 8/19/10: The school has accepted in invitation to join the Mountain West conference starting in 2012. Should the MWC expand, Nevada could be an option for the #12th spot…there aren’t too many candidates other than Fresno, Hawaii, Boise St., UTEP.

Hawaii (Football-only)	NEWS: 12/10/10: Hawaii will leave the WAC after the 2011-2012 season and join the MWC for football and the Big West for all other sports. NEWS: 11/19/20 Hawaii is expected to join the MWC as a football only member. Old News: Hawaii is currently a member of the WAC as of 11/16/10. They have been seeking membership in the Big West and participate as a football independent. Spent much time with the MWC schools but like Fresno, was left out. Distance away is an issue, but one that could be looked past. Likely: remains in the WAC Possible: if the MWC expands to 12 Hawaii could be included. Could jump ahead of Fresno state is the MWC expands Long shot: gets an invite to the Pac 10.

UNLV	Stable Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. Would provide the Las Vegas market. Long shot: candidate should Big 12 need replacements Long shot: If the Big East needed new FB only members, UNLV could be included

Wyoming	The least likely MWC school to leave the conference.

Utah State	News: 4/29/12: Utah St. and San Jose St. will join the Mountain West for 2013. Upon formal announcment, this section will be moved to MWC. History: Utah St. seemed to come close to getting a MWC invitation in January 2011. It appeared that both Utah St. and SJSU would be brought in at some pressure from the MWC TV partner, Comcast. In the end, cooler heads prevailed and the MWC chose to remain at 9/10 schools. Rejected an 8/18/10 invite from MWC thinking the conference would remain solid, only to see Fresno and Nevada leave the next day. Possible: eventually joins the CUSA/MWC

San Jose State	News: 4/29/12: Utah St. and San Jose St. will join the Mountain West for 2013. Upon formal announcment, this section will be moved to MWC. History: Currently in the WAC as there are no other options. SJSU seemed to come close to getting a MWC invitation in January 2011, but the conference ultimately opted to remain at 9/10 members. Possible: joins CUSA/MWC

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Division 1 Independent Realignment *Status as of 9/12/12:* Notre Dame will join the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football. As of 1/23/12, Navy is set to join the Big East in 2015. In the fall of 2011, BYU remained a candidate for the Big 12. It did appear that BYU would only be in the mix if the Big 12 opted for 12 schools as WVU was picked to replace Missouri. Notre Dame was a candidate for the Big 12 as a non-football member, if they opted to leave the now depleted Big East. As for 10/5/11, Notre Dame will always be an option for the Big Ten, should the school seek to join. The Big 12 is also interested in Notre Dame. The ACC is also considered a top option for Notre Dame if the Big East is to fold due to lost members. BYU is a potential option for the Big 12 if they expand to 12, although the school has been difficult with contract negotiations. Army and Navy at one time might consider a conference such as the Big East, if the Big East extends partial schedules for both schools. Thus far, both schools have rejected the idea.
BYU Ind (Football) WCC (non-football sports)	BYU is located in the WCC section, their home for non-football sports.

Army Ind (Football) Patriot (non-football sports)	Army is located in the Patriot League section, their home for non-football sports.

Notre Dame Ind (Football) ACC (non-football sports)	Notre Dame is located in the ACC section, their home for non-football sports

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MAC Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 10/5/11:* The MAC resides at the lower level of the FBS tier and recently expanded to 14 with the addition of UMass. UMass joins as a football only member similar to Temple. Temple is considered an option for CUSA and the Big East, which would leave the MAC at 13 members for football. Should Temple leave the MAC, it might effect UMass’ membership in the MAC.
Akron	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Ball St.	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Bowling Green	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Buffalo	Not a viable candidate at this time. If there is continued growth of the athletic programs, the school could one day be a Big East candidate after decades of success.

Central Michigan	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Eastern Michigan	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Kent St.	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Miami (OH)	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Northern Illinois	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Ohio	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Toledo	Not a viable candidate at this time.

Western Michigan	Not a viable candidate at this time.

UMass MAC (Football only) A10 (non-football sports)	News: 3/7/12: The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. The move could mean trouble for UMass, as per the MAC contract, the conference can expel UMass after 2 years if Temple , the other football only member, left, which they are.News: 2/10/12: Temple is in an interesting position. They are still on the Big East radar to some extend for membership in a number of ways – football only, basketball-only, and all-sports. But with the recent Big East membership changes, Temple is likely out of the Big East plans due to the Memphis all-sports addition. Temple also remains a candidate to join the newly merged CUSA/MWC conference. Likely, they would be a football-only member. But the school could be slotted in for all-sports with nearby Marshall and ECU. News: 10/5/11: Temple is being considered for either an all-sports or football-only membership in the Big East. History: Long shot: Joins the football side of a split Big East conference Longershot: if the ACC needed replacements and the Big East schools were mostly in the Big Ten, Temple might draw some interest if they were teamed with BC and another regional school (like UConn). Long shot: is one of the schools on CUSA radar in their 18 team scenario. News: 2/10/12: UMass might not be a top target, but is on the radar for the new CUSA/MWC conference (now at 16) that is considering a move to 16. If Temple is included, adding UMass might make sense as it would give the coast-to-coast conference access to the northeast market of Boston. With schools like Temple, ECU and Marshall, the conference would have a stronger eastern presence. NEWS: 4/29/10: UMass will join the MAC in FBS for the 2013 season Long shot: If the Big East ever split and expanded to 12, UMass could be an option many years down the road if the FBS upgrade is successful in the MAC. UMass could also be a replacement candidate in the future for the Big East or CUSA.
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Pac 12 Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 9/18/11:* Happy at 12 members, but has it’s eyes on Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. for a Pac-14 or including Texas and Texas A&M for a Pac-16. Likely will only expand to 16 if Texas drops its’ demand to keep LHN money. As of 9/18/11, all parties were still discussing their options.
Arizona	Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot.

Arizona State	Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot.

California	Very stable.

Colorado	News: 6/10/10:Colorado has officially joined the Pac-10, leaving the Big 12 ————————————————————- News: 6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10. Stable and content in the Big 12. Was approached by the PAC 10 during the 90s regarding expansion (along with Texas) but did not make the move. If approached again, perhaps they would listen. They would provide the PAC 10 access to the Denver market, which would fit nicely into their current domination of the LA, Phoenix, San Fran, Portland, Seattle markets.

Oregon	Very stable.

Oregon St	Very stable.

Stanford	Very stable.

UCLA	Very stable.

USC	Very stable.

Utah	News: 6/15/10: Utah Joins Pac-10 News 6/13/10: Utah is expected to be invited as the 12th member of the Pac-10. ———————— Possible: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. Would provide the Salt Lake City market Long shot: if the Big 12 needed replacements and the Pac-10 weren’t an option, Utah (and BYU) could be attractive candidates.

Washington	Very stable.

Washington St	Very stable.
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SEC Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 11/06/11:* Missouri has officially joined the SEC, expected to begin play in 2012. As of 10/25/11: Missouri is expected to receive an inviation from the SEC in the coming weeks, making them the #14 school in the conference. As of 10/5/11, all eyes are on the SEC as the conference, now at 13, is a risk to expand to 14. Missouri tops the current lista move that would add the St. Louis and Kansas City markets to the conference. Such a move, along with the addition of Texas A&M, would likely boost the conferences TV revenue to $25 million per school annually. Texas A&M was formally been accepted to the SEC as of 9/25/11. History: Was the first conference to go to 12 and may be the first to 14. Texas A&M appears to be moving to the SEC with a 14th school an eventual outcome at some point in the future. If a 14th school is added, potential candidates, despite public denials could include Florida State, Virginia Tech, Missouri, West Virginia, Clemson, Louisville, Georgia Tech. Oklahoma remains a top target but unlikely to consider at this time.
Missouri	News: 11/06/11:Missouri has officially joined the SEC, expected to begin play in 2012. News: 10/25/11: Missouri is still expected to join the SEC, although the timetable has yet to be finalized. News: 10/5/11: Last night, the school voted to consider other conference options. Missouri will now decide on either remaining in the Big 12 or to pursue the SEC. News: 9/8/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Missouri remains a candidate for the eventual #14 SEC spot (although they would prefer to join the Big Ten). Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News: 6/9/10: Rumored Nebraska invite by Big Ten could put Missouri in a tough spot as they hope for a 13th team to be invited to the Big Ten. Historical Prospects: Stable and content but considered a top candidate for invitation into the Big Ten should Notre Dame turn it down again. Missouri would give the Midwest league the St. Louis market as well as the rest of Missouri. Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. News: 6/06/03: To leave, Missouri would be required to pay a 2 million exit fee and would need to give 2 years notice.

Alabama	Very stable.

Arkansas	Very stable but could always consider Big 12 membership the price was right. It would take an annual payout greater than the SEC to happen. With the Big 12 uneven revenue distribution model, that makes it even more unlikely.

Auburn	Very stable.

Florida	Very stable.

Georgia	Very stable.

Kentucky	Very stable.

LSU	Very stable.

Mississippi	Very stable.

Mississippi St.	Very stable.

South Carolina	Very stable.

Tennessee	Very stable.

Vanderbilt	Very stable.

Texas A&M	News: 9/25/11: Texas A&M has officially been accepted to the SEC News: 9/8/11: Texas A&M had been given a 5pm deadline to accept an SEC invitation. But in light of the recent threats by Big 12 member schools, the acceptance has been put on hold. TAMU might still declare their intent to leave for the SEC on 2012, or avoid any legal issues by waiting until 2013. The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, are evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opt to leave, Texas reportedly might remain in a rebuilt Big 12 but would still have the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Missouri remains a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools. News: 8/31/11: As has been in the works for the past month, Texas A&M has officially announced its intentions to leave the Big 12. Pending an official SEC invite, Texas A&M will join the SEC as the 13th member News: 6/13/10: Big 12 is expected to remain at 10 members with no Pac-10 defections. More details to come regarding length of agreement, future exit penalties should a member leave in the future News 6/11/10: Texas A&M has an invitation to the Pac-10. Is also considering option to join the SEC, if invited. Also remains interested in staying in the Big 12 if the other 4 schools invited to the Pac-10 remain.
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Sun Belt Expansion & Realignment Status as of 3/30/13: WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season. As of 3/25/13, Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members As of 11/28/12, Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU, As of 5/1/12, Texas St. and Texas-Arlington have been added to replace the departing North Texas and Florida International. On 4/2/12, Georgia St. was added as the next member of the Sun Belt. As of 9/11/11…The Sun Belt was at 10 football members and 11 for all sports. Could consider a WAC member of FCS upgrade if they look to expand to 12 football members.
Georgia Southern	NEWS: 3/25/13: Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members NEWS: 4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar. NEWS: 11/28/07: GSU Considers FBS Upgrade Likely: remains in SoCon Possible: joins the CAA Possible: upgrades to FBS and joins CUSA, MAC or Sunbelt

Appalachian St.	NEWS: 3/25/13: Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members NEWS: 4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar. History: The FCS power has considered an upgrade to FBS. The MAC would be a potential option as school #14 (as of 4/2/12) Likely: remains in the SoCon Possible: upgrades to FBS and joins CUSA, MAC or Sunbelt Longshot: remains in FCS but joins the CAA

New Mexico St. WAC (non-football sports)	Football-only member of the Sun Belt. Please visit the WAC section for more on New Mexico St.

Big Sky (non-football sports)	Football-only member of the Sun Belt. Please visit the Big Sky section for more on Idaho.

Georgia St	NEWS: 4/2/12: Georgia St. has been added as the next member of the Sun Belt. History: Often mentioned as future FBS conference candidate once football program decides on upgrade plans. Possible: joins the Sunbelt or CUSA once they add FBS football.

Arkansas St	No interest. Old News: Was on the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP, but passed over. Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by CUSA/MWC if there were a Southwest conference split their.

La. – Lafayette	No interest. Old News: Was on the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP, but passed over. Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by CUSA if there were a Southwest conference split their.

Troy	Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted if there were a CUSA split. Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC should they seek replacements May 25, 2003: Officially joined the Sunbelt for all-sports

La. – Monroe	Little interest. Joined the Sunbelt for all sports in 2005-2006.

South Alabama	On 12/5/07, USA announced that they have voted in favor of starting a, FBS football program to field potentially as soon as 2009 and join Sunbelt for football

Arkansas – Little Rock	As the only non-football school, UALR might move to the Southland or the Summit League. Comfortable in the Sunbelt but does not sponsor football. Has explored other options such as the Summit. Would be a logical fit for the Southland to partner with UCA should the Southland seek a non-football playing member.

Texas State	News: 4/30/12:Texas St. will join the Sun Belt, along with WAC member Texas-Arlington, for the 2013 season History: Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Texas St. could be left out of the FBS football conference mix. Their primary hope is that the Sun Belt loses 2-3 schools with their membership dropping to 8-9. Either Charlotte or LA Tech would be the top replacement, whichever one is not invited to CUSA. Texas St. expects that it will slip into the next spot for school #11 under the scenario in which the Sun Belt loses North Texas and FIU to CUSA, adds Georgia St. for #9, adds Charlotte or LA Tech for #10, and Texas St. for #11. If the Sun Belt were lose lose out on Charlotte, it might be a blessing in disguise for other schools, as the conference might than take Appalachian St. (similar region as Charlotte) and Texas St. for #12. Scenarios if left behind: A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while returning to the Southland for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Southland reject themD) Downgrade to FCS football and re-join the Southland Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC More History: NEWS: 11/4/10:Will join the WAC conference News: 11/1/07: Internal committee has voted in favor of an FBS (formerly I-A) upgrade. Changed school name from Southwest Texas St. in recent years in preparation of a potential upgrade. Possible: Joins the Sunbelt Possbile: Joins CUSA/MWC

Texas-Arlington	News: 4/30/12: Texas-Arlington will join the Sun Belt, along with WAC member Texas St., for the 2013 season History: Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Texas-Arlington will always likely have a home back in the Southland if they want it. The fact that the Southland is flirting with schools like UTPA says much about their conference stability. Even more telling is that UTPA has yet to be invited, likely a case of the Southland holding out to see how the WAC membership shakes out. If the WAC folds, UTA will have a home again. If the Southland felt too jilted, UTA could always join the Summit. Other History: NEWS: 7/10/11: Texas-Arlington will move from the Southland to the WAC conference in 2012. The school is expected to add football 4-5 years after entering, but the invite does not require football sponsorship.
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FCS Football and Non-football Division 1 Conferences
Atlantic 10 Expansion & Realignment Status as of 5/07/13: Davidson will join the Atlantic 10 for the 2014-2015 season. As of 3/20/13, to replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, the A10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013. As of 3/20/13, the Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. As of 2/28/13, with the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. As of 12/12/12, with the Big East considering a split, schools such as Xavier, St. Louis, Butler, Dayton, Richmond, VCU and Duquesne have been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. As of 5/29/12, Butler will be leaving the Horizon League a year early, joining the A10 in July 2012. The A10 will be at 16 members for 2012 as a result. As of 5/12/12, the A10 has seemingly locked up it’s expansion plans in replacing departing Temple with Butler and VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013 to replace Charlotte. Once Charlotte announced they were leaving, it created only a single spot for #14 and VCU was selected over GMU. GMU had been considered if Charlotte was staying to expand to 16 schools, as had an ODU & GMU tandem had ODU not had their recent inivitation from CUSA. As of 5/1/12, Butler will join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season, replacing Temple and Charlotte is expected to join CUSA. VCU and George Mason as still considered probable to join the A10. The only hiccup now is that with the with both Temple and Charlotte leaving, by bringing in Butler, VCU and GMU, the A10 membership would grow to an uneven 15 with no high caliber candidates for #16 with ODU also headed to CUSA. The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee). As of 9/1/11, A number of schools are targets if there were a Big East split and the basketball schools needed to replenish. Xavier, Dayton, St. Louis, Richmond and Charlotte would be likely targets. Temple and UMass, as FBS football schools, are also candidates in some form for other FBS conferences.
Davidson	NEWS: 5/7/13: Davidson will join the Atlantic 10 for the 2014-2015 season. History: Davidson rejected previous overtures from the CAA to remain in the Southern Conference. If Davidson were to leave, it would need to be for a larger revenue conference such as the Atlantic 10.

George Mason	NEWS: 3/23/13: To replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, the A10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013. NEWS: 5/11/12: After being passed over by the A10 in favor of Butler and VCU, GMU will remain in the CAA. News: 3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10 but no formal invitation is expected. Stable, could add football at the FCS level.

VCU	NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. NEWS: 5/12/12: VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013 News: 3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10 Stable but always nervous after being left out of every previous conference shift. Could add football at the FCs level.

St. Louis	NEWS: 2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. Would be an appealing option should the Big East split into 2 conferences. Could be looking at the MVC if they no longer feel the A10 to be ideal.

Dayton	NEWS: 2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. History: Great fan support, facilities and market. Would be one of the top options for a basketball-only Big East. Possible: joins with the Big East basketball schools should they split from the football schools in 2010.

Duquesne	NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. History: Offers the Pittsburgh market, but little else. Long shot: forced out of the Atlantic 10 to make room for more attractive schools, finds a home in the Horizon, MVC, MAAC, Patriot, America East.

Fordham	Failing basketball program has caused public sentiment that perhaps the A10 isn’t the ideal fit. Offers NY market, but little else. Long shot: forced out of the Atlantic 10 to make room for more attractive schools, finds a home in the MAAC, Patriot, America East.

George Washington	Offers Washington D.C. market, but unlikely to move. Could get some interest by the CAA, if GW wished to more localize itself. Likely: remains in A10 Long shot: joins the CAA

LaSalle	Offers Philadelphia market, but unlikely to move. Could be ousted from the A10 if the league wanted to make room for more attractive schools. Long shot: ousted from A10, joins Horizon, MVC, MAAC, Patriot, America East.

Richmond	NEWS: 2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. History: Richmond market; could get interest by the Big East non-football schools in years to come. Likely: remains in A10

St. Bonaventure	It’s hard to look good after the recent program scandal. If ever ousted, could join MAAC, NEC or America East.

St. Joseph’s	Successful Philadelphia program could join with the Big East basketball schools should they split from the football schools…if Villanova lets it happen, which the likely wouldn’t.

UMass MAC (Football only)	NEWS: 4/19/11:UMass will join the MAC in FBS for the 2013 season NEWS: 12/1/10:UMass is being considered by the MAC as a football only member The 1 time flagship A10 school might still have faint FBS football ambitions; UMass could replace the market loss of BC in the Big East footprint. Would also give a better balance to a new Big East if all the state schools (football schools) left. Likely: remains in A10 Long shot: joins with the Big East football schools should they split from the football schools. Long shot: joins CUSA/MWC

URI	NEWS: 7/16/12: For football-only, but if the CAA brings in Albany and Stony Brook, URI is expected to remain in the CAA and not move to the NEC. History: Another Providence market team (home of the Big East offices) but light-years from an upgrade. In fact, while currently in the CAA for football in 2011, URI will be downgrading and joining the NEC within 2 years.
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America East Expansion & Realignment Status as of 2/14/13: Umass Lowell will join the America East, upgrading from Division 2. As of 6/15/12, The Patriot League has added Boston University for the 2013 season. The AE will likely look nearby at schools such as Central Connecticut St., Bryant, Quinnipiac and Monmouth as replacement. As of 4/02/12, the AE will be on guard in the near future. With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, AE member Stony Brook is expected to be a top candidate. If GMU or VCU were to leave the CAA, Boston University would likely be a top replacement candidate as well. For the AE, they will likely look to the NEC for replacements such as Central Connecticut St., Monmouth, etc. As for 9/1/11, the AE was Stable at 9 members. Has considered adding a 10th. AE membership is expected to remain as is unless there were some drastic changes to conferences like the A10 or CAA.
UMass Lowell	News: 2/14/13: Umass Lowell will join the America East, upgrading from Division 2.

New Hampshire	Little interest from other conferences. But in some scenarios, if the CAA were to face a large exodus, the conference might consider a pair of UNH and Maine to be able to keep football, provide travel ease for Northeastern or other future northern CAA members. It’s a longshot scenario at best.

UMBC	Moved to the AE from the NEC in 2003. Could be a longshot CAA candidate if they were to lose schools to the A10 and FBS in a mass exodus.

Albany (CAA Football)	NEWS: 7/17/12: Albany is being considered for a football-only spot in the CAA. History: little interest from other conferences. Could be targeted by the CAA (or a new America East or A10 football sponsorship if they upgraded.)

Binghamton	little interest from other conferences.

Hartford	little interest from other conferences. If the CAA lost multiple members, Hartford could always be a non-football option to connect Hofstra (and likely Stonybrook in the future) to Northeastern (and possible BU in the future). Longshot scenario.

Maine	little interest from other conferences. But in some scenarios, if the CAA were to face a large exodus, the conference might consider a pair of UNH and Maine to be able to keep football, provide travel ease for Northeastern or other future northern CAA members. It’s a longshot scenario at best.

Stony Brook (CAA Football)	NEWS: 9/1/12: Stony Brook will join the CAA as a football-only member NEWS: 4/2/12: expected to be targeted by the CAA as a replacement for Georgia St.

Vermont	little interest from other conferences.
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Atlantic Sun Expansion & Realignment Status as of 12/08/11: The Atlantic Sun has added NKU as it’s newest member. As of 9/1/11, currently 9 schools. Member schools have added football or are considering it which could make them more attractive to other conferences in the future. Should schools leave NJIT and/or Longwood would become the most likely targets at the D-I level or the conference could turn to D-II for upgrades.
Northern Kentucky	NEWS: 12/08/11: The Atlantic Sun has added NKU as it’s newest member.

North Florida	1/6/05: North florida will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006.

Kennesaw St.	Plans to add non-scholarship football in 2014. Possible: joins the Big South 1/6/05: Kennesaw St. will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006.

East Tenn. St.	Missing their days in the SoCon. Could head to OVC should they bring back football. Has been mentioned as a potential Big South candidate in near future.

Mercer	little interest from other conferences. Planning to add non-scholarship footbal in 2013. Will apply for Pioneer membership.

Jacksonville	little interest from other conferences.

Lipscomb	Has been mentioned as a potential OVC candidate. Could add non-scholarship football.

Stetson	little interest from other conferences.

Florida Gulf Coast University	little interest from other conferences.

USC-Upstate	little interest from other conferences.
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Big Sky Expansion & Realignment Status as of 10/19/12: Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports. As of 7/15/12, the Big Sky have been discussing the option to absord the WAC in some capacity. It is unclear how feasible this would be at this time. As of 9/1/11, with the North Dakota nickname resolved, membership looks to remain as it in now.
Idaho (Independent Football)	NEWS: 8/17/12: Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports and an FBS football independent and join the Big Sky for other sports. Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Idaho is in the worst possible spot. They regionally are not an ideal fit for all-sports membership in the Sun Belt, the only conference that might have space for them (since the MWC does not have any desire for them at this time). Idaho’s only shot of not being am FBS football independent will be if they are able to join the Sun Belt in some capacity. Scenarios if left behind:A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Big Sky for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Big Sky reject them D) Downgrade to FCS football and join Big Sky Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC History: Currently in the WAC as there are no other options. June 4, 2004: Has accepted an invitation to join the WAC. May 25, 2003: Officially joined the Sunbelt for all-sports. On the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP. Long shot: joins CUSA/MWC

Portland St	Some old rumblings out of Portland were that the school was considering options other than the Big Sky such as the Big West or a FBS upgrade to the WAC.

Southern Utah	NEWS: 11/1/10: Has accepted an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference starting in 2012. —————— The school was left out of Big Sky plans but will remain on their radar. NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”. News: 4/14//03: Is actively pursuing the formation of a new FCS football conference comprised of NDSU, South Dakota St., Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, St. Mary’s, UC-Davis and Cal Poly. Long shot: If the Big Sky expands to 10 which has been rumored, they could invite Southern Utah and Northern Colorado who would be better travel partners for Northern Arizona and Weber State.

North Dakota	NEWS: 11/6/10: With the Summit having conversations with Nebraska-Omaha about a future membership, the MVFC would likely have to be considered for UNO football. If the MWVC did expand to 12, UND might consider a move to the Summit and the MVFC NEWS: 11/1/10: Has accepted an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference starting in 2012. —————— Likely will get a Summit invite to join south Dakota once they finally resolve the school nickname issue. NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. NEWS: 6/20/06: UND has announced they will upgrade their athletics to Division 1 in two years. The school will hope for Summit League membership and Great West for football. If South Dakota were to follow, the two schools along with NDSU and SDSU could lead the way for a new conference. Previous News:With the recent upgrades of SDSU and NDSU, North Dakota could find motivation to upgrade as well. Eyeballing the Summit League for potential membership.

Sacramento St.	The Big Sky member could save some travel costs by moving to the Big West and remain a football-only member of the Big Sky, the same arrangement of UC Davis and Cal Poly. Such a move would balance the Big Sky all-sports membership at 10 rather than the awkward 11. ————— News: 4/28/06: There have been rumblings that the Big Sky school might consider an upgrade to FBS and seek WAC membership. News: 1/22/03: The school has appointed a sports task force to research the feasibility of a new sports arena. Also to be considered is the future of their conference affiliations. Sacramento St. could opt to leave the Big Sky and join the Big West, which upon the departure of Idaho and Utah St., and the inclusion of UC-Davis, is poised to become an all-California league. Should this occur, Sacramento St. would need to make decisions regarding their football program. Options include teaming with the various western FCS independents who are forming a new FCS football-only conference, and they could always play as an independent The WAC remains a possibility should the school look to upgrade to FBS football. Likely: Joins the Big West, independent for football until a new FCS league is formed and an invitation extended. Possible: remains in Big Sky Long shot: upgrades to FBS and joins the WAC

Montana	News: 11/11/10 Montana has rejected a WAC invitation and will remain in FCS and the Big Sky —– Has explored upgrading to FBS as recent as March 2010. Would be a logical fit for the WAC or MWC should they upgrade. Possible: joins CUSA/MWC

Montana St.	little interest from other conferences at this point. Often considered to be “tied” to Montana = Montana will upgrade when Montana St. is ready to upgrade.

Weber St.	little interest from other conferences.

Idaho St.	little interest from other conferences.

No. Arizona	little interest from other conferences. Has had to deal with a budget crisis in which the dropping of football was rumored.

Eastern Washington	little interest from other conferences.

Northern Colorado	NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”. Upgrading to Div. 1 and fielding a FCS football team News: 4/14//03: Is actively pursuing the formation of a new FCS football conference comprised of NDSU, South Dakota St., Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, St. Mary’s, UC-Davis and Cal Poly.
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Big South Expansion & Realignment Status as of 1/21/12: The Big South has added Longwood as it’s newset member.
Coastal Carolina	Coastal Carolina has long sought a SoCon or CAA invitation.

Radford	Stable. Has expressed interest in joining the Atlantic Sun

Charleston Southern	little interest from other conferences.

High Point	little interest from other conferences.

Liberty	little interest from other conferences, considering FBS upgrade

NC Asheville	little interest from other conferences.

VMI	little interest from other conferences.

Winthrop	NEWS: 7/1/2008:Winthrop considers adding footballlittle interest from other conferences.

Gardner Webb	Joined the Big South as full member in 2007.

Presbyterian College	Presbyterian College upgraded to FCS and participates in the Big South

Campbell University	News: 5/13/09: Campbell announced they will join the Big South by 2012. 4/7/06: This is a football only move, but Campbell will add football for the 2008 season and will participate in the Pioneer League.

Longwood	News: 1/21/12: Longwood, after upgrading in the 2003 season, is finally in a D1 home: Longwood set to join the Big South 5/13/09: With Campbell leaving for the Big South, the Atlantic Sun might look to protect themselves by adding schools such as Longwood or NJIT. 5/2006: Could target the Atlantic Sun now that they have lost Garner-Webb to the Big South (5/2006)
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Big West Expansion & Realignment Status as of 12/31/12: Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports. On 3/24/12, Boise St. has joined the Big West, effective July 1, 2013. As of 3/27/12, Pacific University will join the WCC as it’s 10th member, leaving the Big West. The Big West is now set at 10 members with Hawaii and SDSU joining. As of 12/07/11, the Big West will bring in SDSU as it’s next member as the schools football program heads to the Big East. The 11 school conference will likely remain at that number in the event that another high profile school becomes available. Should Air Force pass on the Big East, UNLV could be in the mix, and would need a non-football home such as the Big West. As of 9/1/11, the Big West had expanded to 10 members and seemed content. UCSD applied for membership along with CSU-Bakersfield but both were denied membership. SJSU and Sac St are higher conference schools that if ever downgraded, could find a home here.
Hawaii (Mountain West for Football)	NEWS: 12/10/10: Hawaii will leave the WAC after the 2011-2012 season and join the MWC for football and the Big West for all other sports. NEWS: 11/19/20 Hawaii is expected to join the MWC as a football onlymember. Old News: Hawaii is currently a member of the WAC as of 11/16/10. They have been seeking membership in the Big West and participate as a football independent. Spent much time with the MWC schools but like Fresno, was left out. Distance away is an issue, but one that could be looked past. Likely: remains in the WAC Possible: if the MWC expands to 12 Hawaii could be included. Could jump ahead of Fresno state is the MWC expands Long shot: gets an invite to the Pac 10.

Cal – Davis Big Sky (FCS Football only)	NEWS: 9/7/10: Will join the Big Sky as a football-only member NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”.

Cal – Poly Big Sky (FCS Football only)	NEWS: 9/7/10: Will join the Big Sky as a football-only member NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”. Content in the Big West, especially as the conference restructures itself towards being an all-California league. (Utah State is out next season and replaced with UC-Davis). Cal-Poly is an independent in FCS football and might be a target by the Big Sky, which is rumored to be interested in expanding.

Cal St. Fullerton	little interest from other conferences.

Cal St. Northridge	little interest from other conferences.

Long Beach St.	little interest from other conferences.

UC Irvine	little interest from other conferences.

UC Riverside	little interest from other conferences.

UC Santa Barbara	little interest from other conferences.
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Big East (former Catholic 7) Expansion & Realignment Status as of 3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. As of 2/28/13, per reports, the 7 Catholic schools who are departing the Big East will do so and retain the Big East name. Xavier and Butler are expected to join with Creighton, St. Louis or Dayton expected to take the #10 spot. As of 2/10/13, With the 7 non-football members of the Big East set to leave in 2014 or 2015, it seems appropriate to start a section devoted to this yet unamed conference. As has been located in the Big East section for over a decade, there had been speculation…almost an expectation that in time, the Big East could split into 2 conferences, whereby the non-football schools could add 2-4 members such as Xavier, Dayton, Richmond, Charlotte, St. Louis, etc. Now in 2013, it appears Xavier and Butler top the list as expected new members to join the conference with others such as St. Louis, Richmond, VCU, Creighton in line for any future #11 or #12 spots.
Butler	NEWS: 3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. NEWS: 2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. News: 5/1/12: Butler will join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season, replacing Temple News: 3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10 History: Mentioned as a replacement should any A10 schools leave in the future. Could be considered for a new Midwest private conference with fellow Horizon and MVC schools should the NCAA allow new automatic bids from new conferences.

Xavier	NEWS: 3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. NEWS: 2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. History: Would be the top option should the Big East split into 2 conferences. Has club football. Likely: remains in the A10 Possible: Should the Big East split up, could be brought in with the non-basketball schools.

Creighton	NEWS: 3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. History: The Omaha based catholic school had been mentioned as a candidate for a proposed new Midwest based basketball conference with such schools as DePaul, Marquette, Dayton, Xavier, St. Louis, Detroit and Butler. Now that Depaul and Marquette are poised to join the Big East, it would appear that there are few options for Creighton.

Villanova	* Big East non-football member News: 9/9/10: Villanova has received an invitation from the Big East to upgrade it’s football program and join as the 9th member. Past News: Has a strong FCS football program but is not planning on upgrading to FBS. Will remain in the Big East with the rest of the basketball schools; See DePaul Participates in the CAA for football. Could seek membership in the Patriot league for football. Long shot: upgrades football to FBS and joins with Big East teams if there were a split.

DePaul	* Big East non-football member

Marquette	* Big East non-football member

Georgetown	* Big East non-football member

Providence	* Big East non-football member

Seton Hall	* Big East non-football member

St. Johns	* Big East non-football member

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CAA Expansion & Realignment Status as of 3/23/13: To replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, the A10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013. As of 1130/12, Charleston will join the CAA for the 2013 season As of 5/17/12, ODU and CUSA made it official: ODU will join CUSA in 2013. On 5/14/12, the CAA lost yet another member, following Georgia St. as VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013. ODU is also expected to leave for CUSA. As of 5/12/12, While Georgia St. is leaving, ODU still expected to leave, GMU has decided to remain in the CAA. It is unknown as of 5/11/12, if VCU will move to the A10 to be member #14. As of 5/1/12, in addition to Georgia St. leaving, ODU is now expected to leave to join CUSA. VCU and George Mason remain likely to join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season. But it’s the departure of OCU that will derve as a wakeup call for Delaware and JMU, two FCS football powers. It would not be surprising to see Delaware, JMU and even Appalachian St. take a look at the MAC and arrange to upgrade as football-only members. All 3 schools could likely remain in their current conferences (CAA and SoCon) for non-football sports. But in order for this upgrade to happen, it would require 1) interest by the MAC in adding these 3 schools, and 2) interest by the schools to even upgrade. As of 4/3/12, Georgia St. has been added as the next member of the Sun Belt. Appalachian St. will likely be be a top candidate, although a move to the CAA might not be high on their list. Stony Brook would be the next likely candidate as a travel partner for Hofstra and adding a replacement football program. For some of the other scenarios, read the April 2012 CAA Expansion Article. As of 9/1/11, membership was stable with incoming programs to offset departing ones. Could always look to the north at Fordham or Stony Brook as football-only members to appease the remaining New England schools, UNH and Maine. Others such as Charlotte would like to join for football only but have not been invited.
Charleston	News: 11/30/12: Charleston will join the CAA for the 2013 season News: 10/19/12: Charleston voted 12-5 in favor of a move to the CAA. The school will now begin negotiations with the CAA. Previously: Released a statement that they are content in the Southern Conference and not interested in the CAA when rumors circulated that they could be invited. This could still change, so dont’ be shocked to see CofC move to the CAA.

Delaware	Stable but could upgrade to FBS in future

Hofstra	Hofstra dropped football but remains a member of the CAA. News: 5/9/09: It was leaked that Hofstra was considering options outside of the CAA. This is considered to be code for “we want in the A10″ (but the A10 has no room). Would accept Atlantic 10 invite despite CAA league penalties. Could even consider a return to the America East if the situations were perfect.

UNCW	Stable but would be wise to listen to any offers that come in. The CAA has further alienated UNCW by adding 4 northern schools. They hoped for a southern travel partner such as C of Charleston, but instead got Georgia St. The SoCon might seen unattractive now but that could change.

Northeastern	NU dropped football but remains a member of the CAA. Would accept Atlantic 10 invite despite CAA league penalties. Could even consider a return to the America East if the situations were perfect. News: 11/30/07: NU is having internal discussions that include potentially dropping football. If that were to happen, a return to the America East might be something they school considers.

Drexel	little interest from other conferences.

JMU	Could upgrade to FBS in future

Towson	Stable

William & Mary	Stable
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Horizon League Expansion & Realignment Status as of 5/7/13: Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League on 5/7/13. As of 4/13/13, Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013. As of 5/29/12, Butler will be leaving the Horizon League a year early, joining the A10 in July 2012. The A10 will be at 16 members for 2012 as a resul. As of 5/12/12, Butler will be leaving to join the A10. The Horizon will liklely look to members from the Summit League for a replacement. IUPUI, located in Indianapolis would be a logical replacement for Butler. The conference might also consider Robert Morris, located in nearby Pittsburgh.
Oakland	NEWS: 5/7/13: Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League on 5/7/13. History: The school is a potential candidate to join the Horizon as a replacement school.

Detroit	Mentioned as a replacement should any A10 schools leave in the future. Could be considered for a new Midwest private conference with fellow Horizon and MVC schools should the NCAA allow new automatic bids from new conferences.

Cleveland St	little interest from other conferences.

Illinois (Chi.)	little interest from other conferences.

Green Bay	little interest from other conferences.

Milwaukee	little interest from other conferences.

Wright St	little interest from other conferences.

Youngstown State	little interest from other conferences. Had once considered FBS upgrade to the MAC.

Valparaiso	News: 5/17//06: Valpo joins the Horizon League from the Summit League. Expect the Summit League to add NDSU, SDSU, IPFW to bring their total to 10.We saw this one coming. Here was our original thoughts on Valpo: “Would be a logical target by the Horizon. OVC, or MVC should they seek to expand.”
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Great West Expansion & Realignment Status as of 11/29/12: Chicago St. will join the WAC for the 2013 season UTPA has been invited to the WAC, expecting approval by the Texas board this week. This effectively ends the Great West conference. As of 10/5/12, The Great West will be losing Utah Valley to the WAC for the 2013 season. As of 9/1/11, the conference likely won’t be around much longer. Texas Pan American and Houston Baptist could join the Southland conference. Would only leave Chicago State, NJIT, and Utah Valley. Conference would then add independents Longwood and CSUB if still available. All schools would jump at any opportunity to leave.


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Ivy League Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 9/1/11:* As stable as stable gets. Don’t ever expect to see a school leave or expansion in the near future.
Brown	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Columbia	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Cornell	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Dartmouth	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Harvard	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Pennsylvania	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Princeton	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.

Yale	Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon.
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MAAC Expansion & Realignment Status as of 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth. On 9/1/11, the Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012. Should the MAAC look to replace Loyola, they might look at the NEC at private schools such as Robert Morris, Monmouth, Bryant, etc. As of 9/1/11, the MAAC was stable at 10, no expansion imminent. MAAC schools would be candidates should drastic change happen to conference such as the A10, CAA, etc.
Monmouth (N.J.)	News: 2/16/13: Monmouth will join the Big South for football News: 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.

Quinnipiac	News: 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.

Siena	The Albany school was being considered by the A10 as a replacement for St. Bonaventure. They will be evaluated again if any A10 schools leave.

Fairfield	CT school could be considered by the America East should they expand

Canisius	little interest from other conferences.

Iona	little interest from other conferences.

Manhattan	little interest from other conferences.

Marist	little interest from other conferences.

Niagara	little interest from other conferences.

Rider	little interest from other conferences.

St. Peter’s	little interest from other conferences.

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MEAC Expansion & Realignment Status as of 9/1/11: Historically Black College and University (HBCU) schools. Currently at 11/13 members. Could look to add one full member that plays football.
Florida A&M	Was prepared to upgrade to FBS (and join the Sunbelt) but tabled the plan at the last second to remain in FCS. Now, there is some push for Florida A&M to join the SWAC.

Hampton	The Norfolk, VA MEAC school has applied to both the A10 and CAA in an attempt to maintain a FCS football home while benefiting its basketball program.

Bethune Cookman	No interest

Coppin St	No interest.

Delaware St.	Has expressed interest in joining the Northeast Conference for all sports, with football joining the Big South. Still considering other upgrade options.

Howard	No interest

MD Eastern Shore	No interest

Morgan State	No interest

N. Carolina A&T	No interest

Norfolk State	No interest

South Carolina St	No interest.

Savannah St.	NEWS 3/10/10: Savannah St. accepts provisional membership in the MEACFCS independent HBCU could look to join the MEAC or Big South.

NC Central St.	Newest MEAC member upon their upgrade to Division 1
Winston-Salem St.	NEWS: WSSU will return to DII7/8/04: announced they will upgrade to Division I and FCS football. Might look to join the Big South, MEAC or Southern Conference.
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Missouri Valley Expansion & Realignment Status as of 4/13/13: Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013. As of 3/20/13, the Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. As of 9/1/11, the football conference stable. Chose not to add N. Dakota when S. Dakota was invited which would have given the conference all 4 Dakota schools. Could be because no 12th school materialized as likely candidate Nebraska-Omaha dropped football when they moved to D-I.
Loyola (Chicago)	NEWS: 4/13/13: Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013. History: Could be considered for a new Midwest private conference with fellow Horizon and MVC schools should the NCAA allow new automatic bids from new conferences.

Southern Illinois	Despite consecutive NCAA appearances, the Salukis won’t be moving anywhere for the time being.

Bradley	No interest.

Drake	No interest.

Evansville	Could add non-scholarship football.

Illinois State	No interest.

Indiana State	No interest.

Northern Iowa	No interest.

Missouri St.	Was approached by Sunbelt but had no interest at the time in upgrading to FBS football.

Wichita State	Fans often feel the school should add football to increase potential opportunities.
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Northeast Conference Expansion & Realignment Status as of 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth. As of 9/1/11, could try to grab Maine and New Hampshire in football if the schools cannot stay in the Colonial. Would offer reduced scholarships and travel but would be a huge downgrade.
Bryant University	Upgraded it’s athletics to Division 1 and joined the NEC.

Central Connecticut St.	Could be brought into the America East should they expand.

LIU Brooklyn	Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand.

Mt. St. Mary’s	Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand.

Sacred Heart	Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand.

Fairleigh Dickinson	No interest.

Robert Morris	Potential Horizon or MAAC candidate

St. Francis (NY)	No interest.

St. Francis (PA)	No interest.

Wagner	News: 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth. Wagner was expected to join but backed out due to financial concerns.

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Ohio Valley Expansion & Realignment Status as of 9/1/11: Rumored to be courting N. Alabama and N. Kentucky which would give them 10/14. Conference would split very nicely into north/south divisions if members wanted that.
Tennessee St.	HBCU school could consider joining the SWAC.

Austin Peay	No interest.

Eastern Illinois	No interest.

Eastern Kentucky	No interest.

Jacksonville St	NEWS: 4/19/11: Jacksonville St. is officially exploring FBS football Considering an upgrade to FBS football

Morehead State	No interest.

Murray State	No interest.

SE Missouri State	No interest.

Tenn. Martin	No interest.

Tennessee Tech	No interest.
So. Illinois – Edwardsville	6/9/2008:OVC is set to expand by adding SIUE once they upgrade to D1Upgrading to Division 1. OVC and Summit League are likely destinations.
Belmont	5/12/2011: OVC is set to expand by adding Belmontfor the 2012-2013 season.Belmont has for years been on the OVC radar as the conference has a number of other Tennessee schools.
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Patriot League Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 8/29/12:* The Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012. On 6/15/12, The Patriot League has added Boston University for the 2013 season. As of 9/1/11, the Patriot League was stable. Fordham could leave if the school wanted to begin offering scholarships in football.
Loyola MD	NEWS: 8/29/12: The Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012.

Boston University	*News: 6/15/12:* The Patriot League has added Boston University for the 2013 season. BU is considered to be an option for the CAA should they lose any non-football members. They are also a longshot option for the A10 should any other teams leave.

Holy Cross	Considered by many in the A10 if the expulsion of St. Bonaventure was an option; Could replace Xavier, Dayton or anyone else who leaves. Still an option for the Big East should the football schools leave.

American	Staying put in the Patriot.

Bucknell	Staying put in the Patriot.

Colgate	Staying put in the Patriot.

Lafayette	Staying put in the Patriot.

Lehigh	Staying put in the Patriot.

Army	Only possible move would be to the Big East for FB only

Navy	Member of the Big East for football
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Southern Conference Expansion & Realignment Status as of 5/07/13: Davidson will join the Atlantic 10 for the 2014-2015 season. As of 3/25/13, Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members As of 11/30/12, Charleston will join the CAA for the 2013 season On 10/19/12, Charleston voted 12-5 in favor of a move to the CAA. The school will now begin negotiations with the CAA. As of 9/1/11, the SoCon was a very stable conference. Would likely only consider expansion if a member (Appalachian State) moved to FBS.

UT-Chattanooga	NEWS: 9/10/2006: UTC has announced that they will remain in the SoCon NEWS: 6/20/2006: You heard it here first …about 2 years ago, that UTC was considering the OVC. Well, they are OFFICIALLY exploring that option now as the OVC is considering Chattanooga for membership. Previous News: Has hinted that they might consider the OVC

Western Carolina	NEWS: 4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar.

NC Greensboro	No interest.

Elon University	CAA interest. Joined in 2004 from Big South.

The Citadel	No interest.

Furman	CAA interest.

Samford	Joined the OVC in 2003 from independent status. Now in the SoCon

Wofford	No interest.
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*Southland Expansion & Realignment* *Status as of 8/18/12:* The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word University, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well. As of 11/21/11, The newest addition to the Southland is Houston Baptist. The school will add football, becoming the 9th football member of the conference and 11th overall. As of 10/24/11, Oral Roberts has announced they would be leaving the Summit for the Southland Conference. Status as of 9/30/11: Has lost a number of members to the WAC and could lose more in the future. Would need to look to D-II’s Lonestar or Gulf South conferences for replacements. Conference has publicly stated there is support for a 10th school. As of 9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.
Abilene Christian	NEWS: 8/18/12:The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word University, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well.

Incarnate Word	NEWS: 8/18/12:The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well.

New Orleans	NEWS: 8/18/12:The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word University, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well. News: 3/8/12: UNO Has Opted to Rejoin Division 1 3/1/20/10: UNO announced they will leave the Sunbelt for D3 Overview: Tough economic times. Might be forced to make athletic department budget cuts. They already sponsor less sports than mandated by the Sunbelt and the NCAA and could be forced to downgrade to D2.

Lamar	FCS football school has aspirations to upgrade to FBS.Possible: joins WAC

Stephen F. Austin	No interest.

Sam Houston St.	News: 11/27/07: Internal committee is in favor of a FBS (formerly I-A) upgrade. Possible: Joins WAC

Northwestern St	No interest.

Nicholls State	No interest.

McNeese St.	Has a top quality FCS program and could upgrade to FBS if the school wanted to. Has not expressed any real interest thus far.

SE Louisiana	Brought back football last year and joined the Southland in 2005

Texas A&M – CC	Joined the Southland in 2006.

Central Arkansas	Upgraded to FCS football and Div. 1 and joined the Southland in ’06.

Oral Roberts	News: 10/24/11: Oral Roberts will be leaving the Summit League to move to the Southland Conference. History: Could move to the Southland to replace UTSA. As of 9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.

Houston Baptist	News: 11/17/11: HBU will join the Southland Conference, adding football at a later date and serving as the 11th all-sports member and 9th football school. History: Possible: will always be a Summit League option should they lose a school. Longshot: joins the Southland as a replacement NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. Upgrading to Division 1. Will probably seek membership in the Southland, Mi-Con or other conferences but likely participate as an independent
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SWAC Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 9/1/11:* HBCUs that struggle to compete in D-I. Had invited Tennessee State, but conference has struggled to make it financially and academically in D-I.
Alabama A&M	Stable conference with little movement.

Alabama State	Stable conference with little movement.

Alcorn State	Stable conference with little movement.

Ark Pine Bluff	Stable conference with little movement.

Grambling	Stable conference with little movement.

Jackson State	Stable conference with little movement.

Miss. Valley St.	Stable conference with little movement.

Prairie View	Stable conference with little movement.

Southern	Stable conference with little movement.

Texas Southern	Stable conference with little movement.
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Summit League Expansion & Realignment Status as of 5/7/13: Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League on 5/7/13. As of 2/7/13, despite Denver leaving the WAC to join the Summit, UMKC will leave the Summit to join the WAC. As of 11/24/12, Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC. As of 10/24/12, Oral Roberts has announced they would be leaving the Summit for the Southland Conference Status as of 9/30/11: Has reduced conference footprint greatly. Happy at 10 members but Oral Roberts could consider leaving for more regional Southland conference. In fact, as of 9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.
Denver	News: 11/24/12: Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC. Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Denver has a few options as well. They can always join the Summit League. The could also ask the Big West to change their football requirement rules ans apply. And Denver always has the hope that thanks to the WCC addition of BYU, that the WCC would invite them as a travel partner for the Utah based school, becoming member #12. History: NEWS: 11/4/10: Will join the WAC conferenceas a non-football member —– The odd school. Has little fan interaction outside of hockey. Would ideally be in the WCC. Great West might seem like a geographic fit in name only is currently a home for independents throughout the country. The WCC has spoken of expansion with Pacific, Denver and Seattle the primary targets, but hasn’t made any expansion progression. Long shot: joins the WCC Long shot: joins the Summit

IUPUI	The school is a potential candidate to join the Horizon as a replacement school.

Western Illinois	No interest now but could be an OVC target.

North Dakota St.	Longshot: joins the MVC as a full member Longshot: if Summit membership suffers and the Big Sky loses schools, they could be brought in by the Big sky to unite all 4 Dakota schools. ——– News: 9/1/06: The former Independent has been invited and accepted an invitation to join the Summit League. News: 5/15/06: the school is currently being considered for Big Sky membership. Also hoping to gain entrance into the Summit League NEWS: 5/10/06: The school has been asked by the Summit League to submit an official profile. New Summit League membership could include NDSU, SDSU, and IPFW. NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”. Prepared to upgrade to Div. 1. Seeking a home in the Big Sky but looks like they’ll be turned away. Might seek refuge in the Summit League. News: 4/14//03: Is actively pursuing the formation of a new FCS football conference comprised of NDSU, South Dakota St., Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, St. Mary’s, UC-Davis and Cal Poly.

South Dakota St.	Longshot: joins the MVC as a full member Longshot: if Summit membership suffers and the Big Sky loses schools, they could be brought in by the Big sky to unite all 4 Dakota schools. —————— News: 9/1/06: The former Independent has been invited and accepted an invitation to join the Summit League. 5/15/06: the school is currently being considered for Big Sky membership. Also hoping to gain entrance into the Summit League NEWS: 5/10/06: The school has been asked by the Summit League to submit an official profile. New Summit League membership could include NDSU, SDSU, and IPFW. NEWS: 1/15/04: Will join a new FCS football only conference slated to start for the 2006 season. The western-based conference will be managed by the Summit league offices and will include Division 2 upgrades UC-Davis, Northern Colorado, NDSU, SDSU as well as FCS independents Cal-Poly, Southern Utah and St. Mary’s. All that remain before finalization are the necessary votes from the individual school presidents, although that will likely be a formality. The front-runner for the league name seems to be “Great West Conference”. Identical situation to North Dakota St. News: 4/14//03: Is actively pursuing the formation of a new FCS football conference comprised of NDSU, South Dakota St., Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, St. Mary’s, UC-Davis and Cal Poly.

South Dakota	Longshot: joins the MVC as a full member Longshot: if Summit membership suffers and the Big Sky loses schools, they could be brought in by the Big sky to unite all 4 Dakota schools. NEWS 11/4/10: In a last second move, South Dakota has received an invitation from the MVFC to join as a football member. USD will remain in the Summit League. —————– NEWS: 11/1/10: Will likely accept an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference once they finalize an exit strategy from the Summit League. —————— News: 4/15/09: USD has accepted an invitation from the Summit League News: 1/7/09: The Summit is visiting the USD campus this month to research for a potential invitation. UND would be on the list as well, but until their name change issue is resolved, the league will hold off. NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. South Dakota will upgrade to D1 along with North Dakota. If the NCAA expands the tournament and allows more autobids, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the 4 Dakota schools team up with another 4-6 schools to form something new.

IPFW	News: 9/1/06: The former Independent has been invited and accepted an invitation to join the Summit League. NEWS: 5/10/06: The school has been asked by the Summit League to submit an official profile. New Summit League membership could include NDSU, SDSU, and IPFW.

Nebraska – Omaha	News: 3/13/11:Nebraska – Omaha will drop football and upgrade to Division 1, joining the Summit League. The move makes sense on a number of levels. However, it is surprising to see them drop football. Had they kept football, the Summit would have likely worked with the MVFC to get UNO membership. That move might have opened the door for North Dakota to remain in the Summit and join the MVFC too.
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WAC Expansion & Realignment Status as of 3/25/13: Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members As of 2/7/13, despite Denver leaving the WAC to join the Summit, UMKC will leave the Summit to join the WAC. As of 11/29/12, Chicago St. will join the WAC for the 2013 season UTPA has been invited to the WAC, expecting approval by the Texas board this week. As of 11/24/12, Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC with Grand Canyon University joining as a replacement. As of 10/19/12, Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports. As of 10/5/12, the WAC has invited CSU- Bakersfield and Utah Valley to join as the 5th and 6th members for the 2013 season. As of 8/24/12, Boise St. has joined the Big West, effective July 1, 2013. As of 7/11/12, the WAC might end up with a rescue plan courtesy of the Big Sky. As of 5/01/12, over just a few days, the WAC has lost UTSA & LA Tech to CUSA, Utah St. and San Jose St. to Mountain West, and Texas St. & Texas-Arlington to the Sun Belt. Just on 4/29/12, we were saying what a week it has been for the WAC. We can just about officially say that the WAC as a football conference is dead. First, they learned they were losing UTSA to CUSA with LA Tech likely to follow. Even worse, is that even if LA Tech doesn’t join CUSA, they will still move to the Sun Belt. Then it was reported the Utah St. and San Jose St. were set to join the Mountain West. Even Texas St. is likely set to leave as a Sun Belt spot will likely be open for them. A longshot, but NMSU might have a chance in the Sun Belt as well. The WAC will likely survive as a non-football conference. To replace the 4-5 losses, they will have options such as Utah Valley, CSU Bakersfield, UTPA, New Orleans. These new schools would remain with Boise St., Idaho, Seattle, Denver, UT-Arlington and likely NMSU and possibly Texas St. for a 10 or 11 school conference. As of 12/7/11, with Boise St. leaving the Mountain West for the Big East for football only, the WAC will be the home for the Broncos non-football sports. With the MWC down to 8 or even 7 football members, there is a chance they expand with schools from the WAC such as Utah St. or San Jose St. But there exists a good chance that CUSA and MWC will simply merge for all-sports, leaving the WAC alone in the process. As of 9/1/11, despite such a large upheavel, the WAC has replaced is lost membership. Should they seek to expand further, they will look at FCS programs such as Montana, Montana State, Lamar, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Cal Poly, Sacramento St., Portland St. None of these schools have formally applied to the WAC.
New Mexico St.	NEWS: 8/18/12: NMSU is expected to participate as an FBS independent in 2013, hoping to join the Sun Belt as a future replacement. Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: New Mexico St. is in a worse situation that Texas St. Their only hope is that the Sun Belt opts to expand to 12 schools, adding Charlotte or LA Tech along with Texas St. to get to 11 following the departures of North Texas and FIU. NMSU would have to beat out FCS schools like Appalachian St. and Georgia Southern for that final spot. Scenarios if left behind:A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Southland for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Southland reject them D) Downgrade to FCS football and join Southland Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC History: Currently in the WAC as there are no other options. Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC or Sunbelt should they seek replacements

UMKC	2/7/13: UMKC will leave the Summit to join the WAC Notes: The Kansas City market could be enough to open the eyes of a few conferences such as Southland if they need replacements.

CSU Bakersfield	News: 10/5/12: CSU Bakersfield and Utah Valley have been invited by the WAC for the 2013 season. News: 4/29/12: With all the WAC defections, it is likely that the school is targed by the WAC as a replacement for it’s future as a non-football conference 11/29/10: CSUB has applied to the Big West 7/9/08: School has turned down an invitation to Great West to focus on Big West membership. Cal St. Bakersfield will upgrade to Division 1 officially in 2010 with expectations of joining the Big West. They will upgrade their schedule in 2007 to include all Division 1 opponents.

Chicago St	News: 12/4/12: Chicago St. will join the WAC for the 2013 season Possible: will always be a Summit League option should they lose a school. Left the Mid-Con for the 2007 basketball season with eyes set on the Horizon League. An invite never came, and were forced to join the Great West. An example of what not to do. 7/9/08: School might accept Great West invitation

Utah Valley	News: 10/5/12: CSU Bakersfield and Utah Valley have been invited by the WAC for the 2013 season. News: 4/29/20: With all the WAC defections, it is likely that the school is targed by the WAC as a replacement for it’s future as a non-football conference Possible: will always be a Summit League option should they lose a school. Possible: adds football and joins the Big Sky Longshot: joins the Southland as a non-football replacement NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. Hoping for membership in the Summit League.

Seattle University	Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Seattle has few options. They only joined the WAC because the WCC and Big West had no interest. Seattle would have one option: hope the WCC changes their stance and brings them in after Pacific joins for 12 members, and not Denver. History: 6/14/11: Seattle to join the WAC as non-football member 10/20/10: Seattle is in the mix to join the WAC as a non-football member 7/9/08: School could accept an invitation to Great West while hoping for future WCC membership. Possible: trying to join the WCC or WAC.

Grand Canyon Univertsity	News: 11/25/12: GCU will join the WAC as a conditional member, upgrading from Division 2. Update: 8/29/12 Considered a WAC option. Upgraded from NAIA to D2 after considering upgrade and adding football

Texas Pan American	News: 11/29/12: UTPA has been invited to the WAC, expecting approval by the Texas board this week. News: 4/29/20: With all the WAC defections, it is likely that the school is targed by the WAC as a replacement for it’s future as a non-football conference Possible: joins the Southland as a replacement NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. NEWS: 6/15/08: There have been recent discussions about UTPA joining the Great West as it attempts to become an all-sports conference. When searching for a home, look no father than the Summit League.
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WCC Expansion & Realignment *Status as of 3/27/12:* Pacific University will join the WCC as it’s 10th member. As of 9/1/11, the WCC was a stable at 9 members. Seattle University would jump at membership but conference is not interested. BYU will be a question mark until the Big 12 is actually at 12 members.
Pacific	NEWS: 3/27/12: Pacific will join the WCCas it’s 10th memberHistory: could be a WCC option should they seek another southern member.

BYU Independent (Football)	Joined on 9/1/2010 with football participating as an FBS independent. News: 12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU. News: 11/21/11: Still in a holding pattern, the school is expected to be part of a Big East football only group comprised of Boise St., BYU, Air Force and Navy. News: 11/07/11: BYU is considered a candidate for the #12 football-only spot in the Big East should Boise St., Air Force and Navy all accept. NEWS: 9/8/11: BYU is rumored to be the top Big 12 candidate to replace Texas A&M NEWS: 9/1/10: BYU has left the MWC to participate as an independent. Non-football sports will be housed in the WCC. NEWS: 8/18/10 BYU was close to leaving the MWC to play football as an independent and joining the WAC for all other sports. With Fresno St. and Nevada leaving the WAC, BYU might now remain in the MWC or turn to the WCC for non-football sports. Long shot: was considered a candidate for the Big 12 should they seek to replace 1-2 departing schools (only applicable if the Big 12 remained intact) Possible: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. “Sunday” issue could be a factor against. Possible: If the Big 12 expanded or needed a replacement, BYU would be a top candidate as they were originally slotted for the spot taken by Baylor when the Big 12 was formed.

Gonzaga	NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.

Loyola Marymont	Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC.

Pepperdine	Stable within the WCC, but as a California school, could seek Big West membership if it were ever an improvement.

Portland	Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC.

San Diego	Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC.

San Francisco	Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC.

Santa Clara	Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC. Has a football movement.

St. Mary’s CA	NEWS: 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools. Dropped football in 2004
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Independent Expansion & Realignment
NJIT	NEWS: 12/12/12: With the NEC losing 3 schools to the MAAC, NJIT will likely be added as a replacement. NEWS: 5/13/09: With Campbell leaving for the Big South, the Atlantic Sun might look to protect themselves by adding schools such as Longwood or NJIT. NEWS: 7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. Seeking a home in the NEC.


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Division 2 & NAIA Upgrades Expansion
Bellarmine	Division 2	considering upgrade, could be a fit in the Summit
Lincoln Memorial	Division 2	considering upgrade
West Florida	Division 2	considering upgrade
Tarleton St.	Division 2	considering upgrade
Francis Marion	Division 2	considering upgrade
W. Washington	Division 2	considering upgrade
West Texas A&M	Division 2	considering upgrade
So. Indiana	Division 2	considering upgrade
UCSD	Division 2	considering upgrade, has applied to D1 Big West and been rejected. Student vote on D1 athletics has shown less support than thought.
Valdosta St.	Division 2	considering upgrade
UM – St. Louis	Division 2	Almost ready to upgrade to D1 and scheduling tougher opponents. Could be a fit for Summit
North Alabama	Division 2	Could upgrade to Division 1, FCS and look to the Big South, OVC or even Southland.
Delta St.	Division 2	The southern school could upgrade to FCS in the future and would look conferences such as the Southland.
Central St.	Division 2	Could upgrade to FCS and seek membership in the OVC
UA-Huntsville	Division 2	Could upgrade to Division 1
West Georgia	Division 2	Considering upgrade to Division 1 and likely head to the Atlantic Sun.
Central Oklahoma	Division 2	Considering upgrade to Division 1.
Indiana University – PA	Division 2	While no timetable has been set, IUP is preparing for a jump to Division 1 and FCS football.
Oklahoma City University	NAIA	NAIA school Considering an upgrade to Division 1. Will probably seek membership in the Southland, Summit or other conferences but likely participate as an independent
Kentucky St.	Division 2	Could upgrade to FCS and seek membership in the OVC
CSU-Pueblo	Division 2	Looking to add football and could consider upgrade
Grand Valley St	Division 2	an upgrade candidate
Lemoyne	Division 2	Update: 2/19/10: committee recommends remaining in D2Looking to upgrade to DI. America East could be their new home.
Harding	Division 2	Could upgrade to Division I

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FCS Football-Only Conferences: Expansion & Realignment This section is for FCS football conferences,. Some like the A10/CAA, MAAC, etc, might be sponsored by conferences listed above, but the membership is comprised of teams from various different conferences.
BIG SOUTH Expansion & Realignment
Charleston Southern	Big South	With the addition of Stony Brook, the Big South had 7 football members and hoping for any automatic bid by 2010. With Stonybrook leaving for the CAA, Monmouth will take their place.
Coastal Carolina	Big South
Gardner-Webb	Big South
Liberty	Big South
VMI	Big South
Presbyterian College	Big South
Monmouth University	MAAC


CAA FOOTBALL Expansion & Realignment
Delaware	CAA	NEWS: 8/8/12: Albany and Stony Brook will be joining the CAA as football-only members. History:ODU and Georgia St. were the newest members of the conference, replacing Hofstra and Northeastern. Villanova is of 11/16/10 still an option to upgrade to FBS and join the Big East.A number of CAA schools are on the radar as potential FBS options: JMU, Delaware, GA State, ODU and UMass. News:URI will likely join the NEC in 2012, leaving the CAA
James Madison	CAA
Towson	CAA
William & Mary	CAA
Villanova	Big East
New Hampshire	America East
Maine	America East
Richmond	A10
Rhode Island	A10
* Stony Brook	America East
* Albany	America East


Missouri Valley Expansion & Realignment
Illinois St.	MVC		NEWS: 11/1/10: The MVFC has added South Dakota as it’s 10th member, a move that has also kept USD in the Summit for other sports. North Dakota was unable to get the same deal and since has moved to the Big Sky for all sports. The MVFC had expressed interest in membership of 10 schools or 12, but not 11. If Nebraska-Omaha is to upgrade and join the Summit, the Summit will likely push to get UNO included in the MVFC. Such a move might open the door for UND to join as well. NEWS: 11/18/07: The Gateway is discussing a name change to Missouri Valley Conference.
Indiana St.	MVC
Missouri St.	MVC
Northern Iowa	MVC
Southern Illinois	MVC
Western Illinois	Summit
Youngstown St.	Horizon
North Dakota St.	Summit
South Dakota St.	Summit
South Dakota	Summit

Great West Expansion & Realignment
Cal Poly	Big Sky	UPDATE: 11/1/10: With SUU and UND headed to the Big Sky and USD to the MVFC, the Great West Football Conference will cease operations. UPDATE: 9/8/10: UC Davis and Cal Poly have left the Great West to join the Big Skyas affiliate football members. This move might open the door for Sacramento St. to join the Big West for non-football sports and Southern Utah to join the Big Sky for all sports. The Great West started with a bang, a collection of 7 FCS independents looking to unite in the chase for an automatic birth. Within minutes, St. Mary’s drops football leaving the league at 6 members. Then Northern Colorado left for the Big Sky. Now the Dakota schools have left for the Gateway. One option floated around in 2005 was a Big South / Great West football partnership, where they would combine for football and an automatic playoff berth. But now with the Big South at 6 teams, that is not an option.
Southern Utah	Big Sky
UC Davis	Big Sky
North Dakota	Big Sky
South Dakota	MVFC

FCS Football independents Realignment


Northeast Expansion & Realignment
Central Connecticut St.	NEC	News: URI was supposed to join in 2013 and leave the CAA, but opted to remain in the CAA. The NEC football conference became even more stable with the addition of Duquesne.
Duquesne	Atlantic 10
Monmouth	MAAC
Robert Morris	NEC
Sacred Heart	NEC
St. Francis (PA)	NEC
Wagner	NEC

Patriot League Expansion & Realignment
Holy Cross	Patriot		Interesting times in the Patriot League. First Fordham tried to push the league to have scholarship football and the league passed. So Fordham announced they will be seeking a new home. The CAA was a likely option when NU dropped football in November. But when Hofstra followed in December 2009, it made less sense. That said, Fordham could join the CAA with Stony Brook if they expand to 14 teams. Fordham could also be a target for a new northeast based league with Umass, Maine, UNH and URI.For the Patriot, they can always turn to an NEC football member for expansion, but it might require a full invite.
Bucknell	Patriot
Colgate	Patriot
Lafayette	Patriot
Lehigh	Patriot
Georgetown	Big East
Fordham	A10

Pioneer League Expansion & Realignment
Butler	Horizon	A collection of non-scholarship football programs. Dayton could be an option for the Patriot League for football. Past News: Marist will participate as an independent in 2008 and join the Pioneer in 2009.
Davidson	SoCon
Dayton	A10
Drake	MVC
Jacksonville	Atlantic Sun
Morehead St.	OVC
San Diego	WCC
Valparaiso	Horizon
Campbell	Atlantic Sun
Marist	MAAC

MAAC Conference – Football
The MAAC used to serve as an northeastern home for 4 football programs without full scholarships. The MAAC did not qualify for the FCS playoffs. NEWS: 11/20/08: Iona has dropped football NEWS: 11/18/07: LaSalle has announced they will officially drop football.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=548304136 Tim MightyTim Robbins

They may not survive. One of their largest rivalries is already dead, Appalachian State and Western Carolina, in the name of football and with Davidson headed out it could be the end. The CAA is looking to replace members and many of the Southern Conference teams are targets. Western Carolina is one of them and Elon is another. Unless the CAA takes a northern route and brings in some of their football schools, i.e. Maine and New Hampshire, but that seems unlikely at this point, the southern conference could take a final blow. I think the instability of the southern conference will cause the other schools in the Big South to stay put and if the Southern Conference is to survive, they might have to try and get some of the non scholarship football schools to change their stance and expand in that manner.
Nathan Brice

The SoCon could also lose more schools to the Sun Belt and Conference USA. They will need to get members from the Big South to survive.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=548304136 Tim MightyTim Robbins

Davidson to A10 in 2014. Looks like the Southern Conference is dying after nearly 80 years. With Elon almost in the CAA the Southern Conference could end a la the WAC football. Expansion is going to continue until there are less conferences and less berths to the NCAA tournament. Things are still not finished and the Atlantic 10 is going to become the best of the lower conferences by taking their best and moving forward. I wonder where Wichita State will end up in all of this and how St. Louis and Dayton will respond.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=548304136 Tim MightyTim Robbins

With the Oakland move will this open the door for North Dakota to join the Summit and reunite all the Dakota schools? Or are they happy in the Big Sky? The geography is nice for either conference, but to continue the rivalry in the Great Plains States would be fun for them all. Although playing the Montana schools is nice they could still stay part of the Big Sky football. If they move what will the Big Sky do to balance the conference back to 12? Will another school leave to bring them back to 10? With Idaho coming aboard they are at 12, but for how long?
Big12Luvver

NIU busted the BCS, and is on the Chicago TV market. I think I would like to see NIU in the Big12, we could really use a top 3 media market for our TVnetwork…
NC-VA

Liberty is in talks with the Sun Belt according to media reports.
mozilla

Sun Belt looking into Liberty and James Madison to replace the spot opened by WKU leaving.
MVC shopping, as well.
BigDave74

Please add maps for the Big Sky and the Mid-American Conferences.
mozilla

Try the conference map page. It contains every map, together or individually.
UWG Wolves Fan

Univ of West GA (D-II) to Atlantic Sun is highly unlikely. UWG is a football school, albeit a very bad one.
wiscowilz

NM State and Idaho to Sun Belt is NOT official yet.
mozilla

Plus, they just started a widespread facilities upgrade. Including a potential increase to 60k seating capacity in the football stadium.
These upgrades should really help ULL in the future regarding conference realignment.
BigDave74

Please add a google map for America East, Atlantic 10, CAA, MAC, and the Patriot League.
mozilla

The smaller confernces need updated badly. Many teams have not been updated in over 5 years, Please update the Big Sky, Big South, Atlantic Sun, Southland, and others….as to teams that might move up or teams that are spending money in hopes to move up.
There are so many conferences that need one or two spots filled….there has to be interest somewhere, for teams to move up.
The Great West, near the bottom of the page should be cleared or removed…it’s way out of date.
Monmouth is no longer in the NEC for football(near end of page).
Butler is still listed in the Horizon(end of page) in Pioneer league.
Could you date the DII and NAIA section, so, that we could see when that was updated? Is there any new news in that section? It’s been a long time since any of that has changed?
Sorry if it seems as though I am complaining. I come to this site often…and really enjoy seeing all the info in one place. I just feel that with all the changes in the NCAA landscape in the last 12 months…there should be some new info on the smaller and up-and-comers.

Thanks for all your hard work and I look forward to seeing many more of your future opinions.
wiscowilz

Butler, Xavier, Creighton officially to new Big East…

Also some links still not working properly above…not going to correct section
William Diehl

Who or whom do you see the MVC adding to replace Creighton?
MVCSycamore

Who are likely replacements for Creighton in the Missouri Valley since reports have them going to Big East??
wiscowilz

From rumors going around I dont think G.Tech or UNC are such long shots anymore.
wiscowilz

You have some links that are goofed up (The Big East one aren’t linking properly)
wiscowilz

Xavier and Butler to join “Catholic 7″ with Crieghton as teh most likely for their 10th…probably keeping Big East name.
Football Schools to probably have new league name.
Mike

Kansas, Virginia, UNC, and Georgia Tech should all be listed as long-shot possibilities for Big Ten expansion at this point. No ACC school is entirely stable at this point (unless it’s a very bad football program). Too many are potentially in play, and the ones that aren’t in play are standing right next to some dominoes. And I love this article. It combines history, current events, and all the fun rumors in a way that isn’t confusing. It’s a lot, but you can package it in a way that’s understandable. If you can’t- no need to write an article that’s wrapped up in how you can’t do this. Just don’t. But this one does, and it’s done very well.
GJJ007

Louisiana-Lafayette has good football, excellent baseball, softball and was a good basketball team. CUSA is missing out on a team that travels well! Two New Orleans Bowl wins and breaking attendance records!
Jack

And there goes SDSU back to the Mountain West…..
wiscowilz

San Diego State back to MWC…looks like the Big East is dropping big time…just when THEY thought they were back they are getting pummeled left and right
http://matt.peloquin.info Matt Peloquin

No need to rush. They have SoCon schools like App St and GA Southern, Southland schools like Lamar and SHSU, and NMSU as an Indy. Even Idaho for FB only is an option. So no need to move until they drop below 8.
mozilla

Is the Sun Belt ever going to make a move to replace some of its departing schools? If the BE or CUSA come calling agian…there isn’t much left to poach. The amount of football playing schools in the SB is getting quite low and they might not have much pull to gain interest from new schools.
Any thoughts?
mozilla

There are sooo many other Bball schools that could replace the 7 that are leaving. Realistically, they could just absorb whats leftover in the A10, after the BEbball7 raid that conference. Then…the BE would be worth just as much as they were beforehand.
http://matt.peloquin.info Matt Peloquin

When they are a separate conference, they will be. When are they leaving? What is the new conference name? Will they buy the Big East name? Who will be the other 3 to 5 members? We don’t know since nothing is official. Map and grid gets updated ONLY after official announcements.
BigDave74

please show the catholic 7 as separate conference.
mozilla

UTPA finally makes it official and joined the WAC.
wiscowilz

Big East Basketball only schools are as good as gone…they decided today they will leave, just deciding how to do it…say goodbye to the Big East.
wiscowilz

Just heard during the Big Ten Championship Game after an ACC Championship game break that Georgia Tech is interested in coming to the Big Ten…so you can take off the for sure not leaving ACC tag
Jack

Need to fix Maryland and Rutgers.
wiscowilz

Maryland to Big Ten is official with Rutgers to follow…let the next set of dominoes fall
mozilla

I have really enjoyed reading your continueing article. Could you please update and list who might be making moves from the lower levels up to FBS. Who might fill the spaces left in the bigger conferences?
Phil

Cal Poly is only in the Big Sky for football, everything else is in the Big West. What he has on the grid for them is right
Kro

Cal Poly is a football-only member of the Big Sky. They are still in the Big West for all other sports.
Matt

Cal Poly is in fact a Big Sky member. You need to move them from the Big West
http://collegesportsinfo.com CollegeSportsInfo.com

Greetings. We had some technical issues with the server, so we had to delete the grid and relaunch it. Same URL and content, but we lost the comments that had been previously posted here. My apologies for any inconvenience.

- Matt

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