Conference Realignment
Updated on May 17, 2012 by Matt Peloquin
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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FBS Football Conferences
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![]() ACC Expansion & Realignment:
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Syracuse |
Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16 with 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”.
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Pittsburgh |
Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16 with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn. ____________________ News: 9/8/11: 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”. |
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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. |
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Clemson |
Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate. Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar |
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Duke |
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate. |
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![]() Florida State |
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 |
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![]() Georgia Tech |
No intentions of leaving the 12 team 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 expanded, they could be a candidate. | ||
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Maryland |
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. |
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NC State |
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate. |
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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. |
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Virginia |
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC. Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate. |
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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. |
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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 times expressing 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. |
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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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![]() Big East Expansion & Realignment:
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Temple |
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. |
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Navy |
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. |
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Boise State (FOOTBALL ONLY) |
News: 12/07/11: 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. —————————————————————– History: 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. |
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San Diego State (FOOTBALL ONLY) |
News: 12/07/11: News: 11/7/11: 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 5th California team. Would also add the San Diego market. |
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Memphis |
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. |
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SMU |
News: 12/07/11: 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: News: 9/1/11: History: Comfortable in CUSA. Like Rice, could be a future Big 12 option. Could be targeted by the MWC for expanson to 12 schools. |
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Central Florida |
News: 12/07/11: 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 |
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Houston |
News: 12/07/11: 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. |
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Rutgers |
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”. |
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Connecticut |
Longshot: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar
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Cincinnati |
Possible (2/10/12): if Big 12 expands from 10 to 12, could be a candidate |
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Louisville |
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. |
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South Florida |
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DePaul |
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 |
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Marquette |
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Georgetown |
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Providence |
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Seton Hall |
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St. Johns |
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Villanova |
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. |
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![]() Big Ten Expansion & Realignment
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Illinois |
Very stable. |
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Indiana |
Very stable. |
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Iowa |
Very stable. |
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Michigan |
Very stable. |
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Michigan State |
Very stable. |
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Minnesota |
Very stable. |
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Nebraska |
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. |
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Northwestern |
Very stable. |
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Ohio State |
Very stable. |
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Penn State |
Very stable. |
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Purdue |
Very stable. |
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Wisconsin |
Very stable. |
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Big 12 Expansion & Realignment
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Texas |
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: 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. |
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![]() TCU |
News: 10/5/11: News: 9/8/11: 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. |
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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. |
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West Virginia |
WVU has been invited and accepted to join the Big 12. 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: 10/25/11: WVU is expended to be joining the Big 12 News: 10/20/11: WVU is considered the frontrunner to join the Big 12 to 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
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East Carolina |
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 |
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Southern Miss |
Strong football program but small market |
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Tulane |
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. Likely: remains in CUSA |
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UAB |
Comfortable in CUSA. |
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Marshall |
Comfortable in CUSA. |
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Rice |
Comfortable in CUSA; if a spot opened in the Big 12 and other options were exhausted, the Big 12 might consider Rice. |
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Tulsa |
Comfortable in CUSA. |
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UTEP |
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. |
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Texas-San Antonio |
News: 3/25/12: NEWS: 11/4/10: —— Will sponsor football and hopes to be at the FBS level. Possible: Joins Sunbelt Possible: Joins CUSA/MWC |
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Louisiana Tech |
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 |
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Florida International |
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North Texas |
History: 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. |
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Charlotte (FCS Football, upgrading to FBS) |
Charlotte will be joining CUSA for the 2013 season, with football joining once they are ready for FBS. News: 4/20/12: News: 3/25/12: History: 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 |
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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
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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Fresno State |
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. |
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Nevada |
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. |
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Hawaii (Football-only) member |
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. |
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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 |
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Wyoming |
The least likely MWC school to leave the conference. |
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Utah State |
News: 4/29/12: 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 |
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San Jose State |
News: 4/29/12:
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
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BYU Ind (Football) WCC (BB) |
News: 11/07/11: NEWS: 9/8/11: 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. |
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Notre Dame Ind (Football) Big East (BB) |
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: 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. |
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Army Ind (Football) Patriot (BB) |
Like Navy, might be open to a Big East football invite should they seek to expand. |
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MAC Expansion & Realignment
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Akron |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Ball St. |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Bowling Green |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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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. |
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Central Michigan |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Eastern Michigan |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Kent St. |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Miami (OH) |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Northern Illinois |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Ohio |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Toledo |
Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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Not a viable candidate at this time. |
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UMass MAC (Football only) |
News: 3/7/12: 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
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Arizona |
Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot. |
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Arizona State |
Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot. |
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California |
Very stable. |
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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. |
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Oregon |
Very stable. |
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Oregon St |
Very stable. |
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Stanford |
Very stable. |
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UCLA |
Very stable. |
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USC |
Very stable. |
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Utah |
News: 6/15/10: 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. |
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Washington |
Very stable. |
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Washington St |
Very stable. |
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SEC Expansion & Realignment
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Missouri |
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. |
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Alabama |
Very stable. |
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Arkansas |
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Auburn |
Very stable. |
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Florida |
Very stable. |
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Georgia |
Very stable. |
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Kentucky |
Very stable. |
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LSU |
Very stable. |
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Mississippi |
Very stable. |
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Mississippi St. |
Very stable. |
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South Carolina |
Very stable. |
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Tennessee |
Very stable. |
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Vanderbilt |
Very stable. |
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Texas A&M |
News: 9/8/11:
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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Sunbelt Expansion & Realignment
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Georgia St |
History: Possible: joins the Sunbelt or CUSA once they add FBS football. |
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Florida Atlantic |
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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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Middle Tennessee St. |
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 |
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La. – Monroe |
Little interest. Joined the Sunbelt for all sports in 2005-2006. |
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Western Kentucky |
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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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![]() Texas State |
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. 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 |
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![]() Texas-Arlington |
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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WAC Expansion & Realignment
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Boise State (in Big East for Football) |
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:
History: News: 12/07/11: 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. |
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New Mexico St. |
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:
History: Currently in the WAC as there are no other options. Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC or Sunbelt should they seek replacements |
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Idaho |
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:
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 |
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![]() 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. |
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Denver |
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 conference as 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 |
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FCS Football and Non-football Division 1 Conferences
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Atlantic 10 Expansion & Realignment
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VCU |
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. |
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Butler |
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. |
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St. Louis |
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Dayton |
Possible: joins with the Big East basketball schools should they split from the football schools in 2010. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Richmond |
Likely: remains in A10 |
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St. Bonaventure |
It’s hard to look good after the recent program scandal. If ever ousted, could join MAAC, NEC or America East. |
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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. |
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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 |
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URI |
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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Xavier |
Has club football. Likely: remains in the A10 Possible: Should the Big East split up, could be brought in with the non-basketball schools. |
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America East Expansion & Realignment
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Boston University |
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. |
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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. | ||
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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. | ||
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Albany |
little interest from other conferences. Could be targeted by the CAA (or a new America East or A10 football sponsorship if they upgraded.) |
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Binghamton |
little interest from other conferences. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Stony Brook Big South (Football) |
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Vermont |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Atlantic Sun Expansion & Realignment
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North Florida |
NEws: 12/08/11: The Atlantic Sun has added NKU as it’s newest member. |
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North Florida |
1/6/05: North florida will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006. | ||
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Kennesaw St. |
Possible: joins the Big South 1/6/05: Kennesaw St. will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006.
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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. |
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Mercer |
little interest from other conferences. Planning to add non-scholarship footbal in 2013. Will apply for Pioneer membership. |
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Jacksonville |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Lipscomb |
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Stetson |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Florida Gulf Coast University |
little interest from other conferences. |
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USC-Upstate |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Big Sky Expansion & Realignment
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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. |
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Southern Utah |
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. |
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North Dakota |
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. |
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Sacramento St. |
————— 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 |
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Montana |
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 |
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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. |
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Weber St. |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Idaho St. |
little interest from other conferences. |
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No. Arizona |
little interest from other conferences. Has had to deal with a budget crisis in which the dropping of football was rumored. |
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Eastern Washington |
little interest from other conferences. |
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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
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Coastal Carolina |
Coastal Carolina has long sought a SoCon or CAA invitation. |
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Radford |
Stable. Has expressed interest in joining the Atlantic Sun | ||
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Charleston Southern |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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High Point |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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Liberty |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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NC Asheville |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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VMI |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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Winthrop |
NEWS: 7/1/2008:Winthrop considers adding footballlittle interest from other conferences. | ||
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Gardner Webb |
Joined the Big South as full member in 2007. |
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Presbyterian College |
Presbyterian College upgraded to FCS and participates in the Big South | ||
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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. |
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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
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San Diego State (in Big East for football) |
News: 12/07/11: News: 11/7/11: 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 5th California team. Would also add the San Diego market. |
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|
Hawaii (in 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 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. |
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|
Cal – Davis Big Sky (FCS Football only) |
A candidate for the Big Sky is they ever opted to join for all sports. If upgraded to FBS, WAC would be likely home. 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”. |
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|
Cal – Poly Big Sky (FCS Football only) |
A candidate for the Big Sky is they ever opted to join for all sports. If upgraded to FBS, WAC would be likely home. 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. |
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Cal St. Fullerton |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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Cal St. Northridge |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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Long Beach St. |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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UC Irvine |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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UC Riverside |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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UC Santa Barbara |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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CAA Expansion & Realignment
|
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Delaware |
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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. |
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|
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. |
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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. |
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Drexel |
little interest from other conferences. |
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George Mason |
News: 3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10 Stable, could add football at the FCs level. |
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JMU |
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Towson |
Stable |
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William & Mary |
Stable |
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Horizon League Expansion & Realignment
|
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Detroit |
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Cleveland St |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Illinois (Chi.) |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Loyola Chi |
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. |
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Green Bay |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Milwaukee |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Wright St |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Youngstown State |
little interest from other conferences. Had once considered FBS upgrade to the MAC. | ||
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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
|
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|
Texas Pan American |
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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![]() NJIT
|
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. 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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|
Utah Valley |
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. |
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Chicago St |
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 |
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![]()
Ivy League Expansion & Realignment
|
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Brown |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Columbia |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Cornell |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Dartmouth |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Harvard |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Pennsylvania |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Princeton |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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Yale |
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon. | ||
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![]()
MAAC Expansion & Realignment
|
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Siena |
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Fairfield |
CT school could be considered by the America East should they expand |
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Canisius |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Iona |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Loyola MD |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Manhattan |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Marist |
little interest from other conferences. |
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Niagara |
little interest from other conferences. |
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|
Rider |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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St. Peter’s |
little interest from other conferences. | ||
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![]()
MEAC Expansion & Realignment
|
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|
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. | ||
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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. |
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|
Bethune Cookman |
No interest |
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|
Coppin St |
No interest. |
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|
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 |
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|
MD Eastern Shore |
No interest |
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|
Morgan State |
No interest |
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N. Carolina A&T |
No interest |
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|
Norfolk State |
No interest |
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|
South Carolina St |
No interest. |
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|
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. | ||
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NC Central St. |
Newest MEAC member upon their upgrade to Division 1 |
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|
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
|
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|
Creighton |
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. Likely: remains in MVC |
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|
Southern Illinois |
Despite consecutive NCAA appearances, the Salukis won’t be moving anywhere for the time being. |
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|
Bradley |
No interest. |
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|
Drake |
No interest. |
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|
Evansville |
Could add non-scholarship football. |
||
|
Illinois State |
No interest. |
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|
Indiana State |
No interest. |
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|
Northern Iowa |
No interest. |
||
|
Missouri St. |
Was approached by Sunbelt but had no interest at the time in upgrading to FBS football. |
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|
Wichita State |
Fans often feel the school should add football to increase potential opportunities. |
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![]()
Northeast Conference Expansion & Realignment
|
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Bryant University |
Upgraded it’s athletics to Division 1 and joined the NEC. | ||
|
Central Connecticut St. |
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|
LIU Brooklyn |
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand. |
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Mt. St. Mary’s |
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand. |
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Quinnipiac |
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand. |
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Sacred Heart |
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand. |
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Fairleigh Dickinson |
No interest. |
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|
Monmouth (N.J.) |
No interest. |
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|
Robert Morris |
No interest. |
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St. Francis (NY) |
No interest. |
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|
St. Francis (PA) |
No interest. |
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Wagner |
No interest. |
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Ohio Valley Expansion & Realignment
|
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|
Tennessee St. |
HBCU school could consider joining the SWAC. | ||
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Austin Peay |
No interest. |
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|
Eastern Illinois |
No interest. |
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|
Eastern Kentucky |
No interest. |
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|
Jacksonville St |
Jacksonville St. is officially exploring FBS football Considering an upgrade to FBS football |
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|
Morehead State |
No interest. |
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|
Murray State |
No interest. |
||
|
SE Missouri State |
No interest. |
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|
Tenn. Martin |
No interest. |
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|
Tennessee Tech |
No interest. |
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|
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
|
|||
|
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. |
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|
American |
Staying put in the Patriot. | ||
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Bucknell |
Staying put in the Patriot. | ||
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Colgate |
Staying put in the Patriot. | ||
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Lafayette |
Staying put in the Patriot. | ||
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Lehigh |
Staying put in the Patriot. | ||
|
Army |
(see FBS listing above in “Independents”) | ||
|
Navy |
(see FBS listing above in “Independents”) | ||
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|
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![]()
Southern Conference Expansion & Realignment
|
|||
|
Georgia Southern |
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 |
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|
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 |
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|
Western Carolina |
NEWS: 4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar. |
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|
Appalachian St. |
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 |
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|
Charleston |
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. | ||
|
NC Greensboro |
No interest. |
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|
Davidson |
No interest. |
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|
Elon University |
No interest. Joined in 2004 from Big South. |
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|
The Citadel |
No interest. |
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|
Furman |
No interest. |
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|
Samford |
Joined the OVC in 2003 from independent status. Now in the SoCon |
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|
Wofford |
No interest. |
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|
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![]()
Southland Expansion & Realignment
|
|||
|
Lamar |
FCS football school has aspirations to upgrade to FBS.Possible: joins WAC |
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|
Stephen F. Austin |
No interest. |
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|
Sam Houston St. |
Internal committee is in favor of a FBS (formerly I-A) upgrade. Possible: Joins WAC |
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|
Northwestern St |
No interest. |
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|
Nicholls State |
No interest. |
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|
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. |
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|
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 |
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. |
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|
History: 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
|
|||
|
Alabama A&M |
Stable conference with little movement. | ||
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Alabama State |
Stable conference with little movement. | ||
|
Alcorn State |
Stable conference with little movement. | ||
|
Ark Pine Bluff |
Stable conference with little movement. | ||
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Grambling |
Stable conference with little movement. | ||
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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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|
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![]()
Summit League Expansion & Realignment
|
|||
|
UMKC |
The Kansas City market could be enough to open the eyes of a few conferences such as Southland if they need replacements. |
||
|
IUPUI |
No interest |
||
|
Oakland |
No interest |
||
|
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. |
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|
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: 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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|
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![]()
WCC Expansion & Realignment
|
|||
|
Pacific |
NEWS: 3/27/12: Pacific will join the WCC as it’s 10th member History: 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.. |
||
|
Gonzaga |
Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC. | ||
|
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 |
Stable within the conference, few options outside the WCC. Dropped football in 2004 |
||
![]() Independent Expansion & Realignment
|
|||
|
Cal St Bakersfield |
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
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. |
||
|
|
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.
|
||
| Back to the top | |||
![]() 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. | |
|
U Incarnate Word |
Division 2
|
12/09/11: School expected to upgrade to D-1 in the near future and join 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. | |
|
NKU |
Division 2
|
Planning to upgrade to D1 per 4/8/11 news | |
|
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. | |
|
Grand Canyon
|
NAIA
|
NAIA school considering upgrade and adding football |
|
|
Harding
|
Division 2
|
Could upgrade to Division I | |
|
|
|||
| FCS Football-Only Conferences: Expansion & RealignmentFBS 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. Others like the Pioneer and Gateway do not sponsor any sports other than football. | |||
![]() BIG SOUTH Expansion & Realignment
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| Charleston Southern | Big South |
With the addition of Stony Brook, the Big south will have 7 football members and hoping for any automatic bid by 2010. Stony Brook is always an option for the CAA or a new northeast based conference. |
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| Coastal Carolina | Big South | ||
| Gardner-Webb | Big South | ||
| Liberty | Big South | ||
| VMI | Big South | ||
| Presbyterian College | Big South | ||
Stony Brook![]() |
America East | ||
![]() CAA FOOTBALL Expansion & Realignment
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Delaware![]() |
CAA | ODU and Georgia St. are the newest members of the conference and will essentially replace 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 |
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James Madison![]() |
CAA | ||
| Towson | CAA | ||
| William & Mary | CAA | ||
Villanova![]() |
Big East | ||
| New Hampshire | America East | ||
| Maine | America East | ||
| Richmond | A10 | ||
UMass![]() |
A10 | ||
* ODU![]() |
CAA | ||
* Georgia St![]() |
CAA | ||
![]() Missouri Valley Expansion & Realignment
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| 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. |
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| 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 | ||
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Great West Expansion & Realignment
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| 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 Sky as 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. |
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| Southern Utah | Big Sky | ||
| UC Davis | Big Sky | ||
| North Dakota | Big Sky | ||
| South Dakota | MVFC | ||
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FCS Football independents Realignment
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![]() Northeast Expansion & Realignment
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| Central Connecticut St. | NEC |
News: URI will join in 2013 and leave the CAA. The NEC football conference became even more stable with the addition of Duquesne. |
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| Rhode Island | NEC | ||
| Monmouth | NEC | ||
| Robert Morris | NEC | ||
| Sacred Heart | NEC | ||
| St. Francis (PA) | NEC | ||
| Wagner | NEC | ||
| Albany | America East | ||
| Duquesne | Atlantic 10 | ||
![]() Patriot League Expansion & Realignment
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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 | ||
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Pioneer League Expansion & Realignment
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| 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. |
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| 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
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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: NEWS: 11/18/07: LaSalle has announced they will officially drop football. |
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NEWS: 9/18/11:


No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.

No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC, but has been a popular 

















Rutgers is holding out hope that the ACC will send them a life raft as #16 with Uconn as #15.

















News: 6/11/10:












































































































































































































































































































































