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ACC Expansion & Realignment:
With the expansions of the Big Ten and SEC, the ACC has remained intact as a result of a strict Grant of Rights agreement that is in place from 2016 until 2036. The agreement makes it extremely difficult for schools to consider either the Big Ten or SEC. That said, as Texas and Oklahoma were able to leave the Big 12 early for the SEC at a whopping $50 million price tag, ACC schools are certainly considering their options.
There is indeed interest by both the SEC and the Big Ten in ACC schools. The key to the ACC’s future rests on that grant of rights majority vote.
With 14 members in the ACC, it would only take 7-8 schools agreeing to dissolve that agreement and free schools to look elsewhere. But in order for half the conference to vote to eliminate the agreement, it would mean all 7 “yes” votes would need to have spots lined up in the SEC and Big Ten.
What makes for an interesting situation is that it’s not entirely a case of the Big Ten and SEC wanting the same programs. So even in a hypothetical where the Big Ten were to invite UNC, Virginia, Georgia Tech and Florida State…the SEC would likely jump at the chance to add from a pool of Clemson, Miami, NC State, Virginia Tech and Louisville.
Previous News and Speculation:
2/24/23: Florida State is banging the drums of discontent in the ACC
As of 11/27/12, Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as the 14th member, replacing Maryland.
As of 11/14/12, the ACC faced a setback on 11/14/12 when founding member Maryland planned their move to the Big Ten. The conference will likely look to Louisville or Uconn to join as the 14th member, a replacement for Maryland.
As of 9/12/12, Notre Dame will join the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football. The ACC also announced a $50 million exit fee plan, which will discourage members from leaving.
As for 12/5/11, the ACC remains solid at 14. But there have been hints that expansion to 16 could still be an option. Notre Dame and UConn remain the top options. Should Notre Dame make clear they would never join the ACC, then Uconn and Rutgers could be brought in at some point.
As of 10/5/11, The ACC is in waiting mode. The future of the Big East (should they lose schools to the Big 12, or TCU to MWC) will dictate the future of Notre Dame. With today’s announcement that Notre Dame will join Hockey East, it does add some speculation that if the Big East were to fall and Notre Dame were to join an all-sports conference, that the ACC could be the pick over the Big Ten. It is believed that if the ACC can get Notre Dame, they would bring in UConn for the #16 school, putting the final blow to the Big East with the ACC fully taking over the northeast region.
As of 9/18/11, the ACC officially brought in Pitt and Syracuse as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16 with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn. Texas had been trying to work a deal with the ACC but the ACC has held firm on equal revenue sharing, most lilely removing Texas from the ACC scenario.
In early September, the ACC had appeared to be at risk of losing schools such as Florida St. and Virginia Tech to the SEC. But to stablize even prior to expansion, they opted for unity by increasing the exit fee for a school to $20 million. The result? Solidarity and leverge in bringing in new schools.
History: Appeared stable until the recent Big 12 realignment and SEC expansion developments. If the ACC were to lose schools to the SEC, the likely replacement would come from the Big East from the pool of Syracuse, UConn, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, WVU, Louisville.
Louisville
Louisville could gain future interest by the Big 12 or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/12: Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as the14th member, replacing Maryland.
11/14/12: Louisville is a candidate to join the ACC as the #14 member.
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.
10/20/11: Louisville is considered the #2 option for the Big 12 after WVU as a replacement for Missouri.
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).
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.
HISTORY: 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
Ind (Football) / ACC (BB)
The Big Ten remains interested in Notre Dame should they give up their independent status.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/12/12: Notre Dame will join the ACCas the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football.
10/25/11: Interesting times for Notre Dame. With the Big East falling apart and their rebuilding plans less than desirable for Notre Dame, the school may opt to join the Big 12 as a non-football member. Should they opt to give up independence, the ACC would likely be a top option, despite generating less revenue than the Big Ten. The ACC would give the school more access to the northeast markets via Boston College, Syracuse, and Pitt. UConn would also likely join as #16 if Notre Dame joined for #15.
10/5/11: Notre Dame continues to be a candidate for the ACC until they officially reject the conference. It is believed that Notre Dame would prefer the ACC due to the northeast market presence with Boston College, Syracuse and Pitt as well as the recruiting advantages of the southern based conference. Uconn would likely join Notre Dame in the ACC for #16.
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. 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.
Syracuse is not currently considered a candidate for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/16/12: Syracuse will leave the Big East a year early, joining the ACC, with an exit fee of $7.5 million.
9/18/11: Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn.
History: Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East.
Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion
Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: if left out of the Big Ten, the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.
Pittsburgh could gain future interest by the Big 12 should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/18/12: Pitt will leave the Big East a year early, joining the ACC, with an exit fee of $7.5 million.
9/18/11: Has officially been brought in to join the ACC as a member of the 14 school conference. ACC could still expand to 16with additional Big East schools such as Rutgers and UConn.
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).
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.
History:
Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East.
Could also be a target for Big Ten expansion
Possible: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten. Long shot: if left out of the Big Ten, the ACC might consider the school if it expands to “keep up”.
Boston College is not considered an expansion candidate for any conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Joined the ACC for the 2005 football season and is the northern most member.
Many in the Big East would love to see BC return, but in the economic climate of college sports, that move would be unlikely.
Long shot: mentioned as a long shot candidate for the Big Ten if they expanded to 16.
Clemson could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
2/24/23: Florida State is banging the drums of discontent in the ACC as is Clemson
History:
No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.Has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the SEC should they expand to 14.Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar
Duke is not considered a top expansion candidate by the SEC or Big Ten due to the school size. However, should the ACC go through membership changes, it’s not a long shot if Duke were included with a UNC move.
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.
Florida State could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
2/24/23: Florida State is banging the drums of discontent in the ACC
History:
With Maryland off to the Big Ten, Florida St. could revisit their options such as the Big 12.History: No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC, but has been a popular rumored candidate for the SEC should they expand to 14. 8/12/11: Florida St. rumored to be potential candidate for SEC #14 spot History: Possible: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate. Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar
Georgia Tech could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
No intentions of leaving the ACC. Like Clemson, Florida St. and Virginia Tech, has been rumored to be a potential SEC target for expansion to 14. Long shot: if the SEC or Big 12 expanded, they could be a candidate.
NC State could gain future interest by the Big 12 or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded, they could be a candidate.
UNC could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.
Virginia could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.
Wake Forest is not considered a top expansion candidate by either the Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.
Virginia Tech could gain future interest by the Big 12 or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
8/30/11: Has been rumored to be the top candidate for the SEC potential #14 spot but has gone on the record multiple timesexpressing their disinterest in leaving the ACC.
Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.
History:
Joined the ACC for the 2004 football season.
Miami could gain future interest by the Big Ten or SEC should there be a seismic shift in the ACC membership.
Previous News and Speculation:
Long shot: if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate. History: Joined the ACC for the 2004 football season.
American Athletic Conference Expansion & Realignment:
The American Athletic Conference has gone through a number of changes over the years, most recently with UCF, Houston and Cincinnati leaving for the Big 12, to be replaced by UTSA, North Texas, UAB, FAU, Charlotte and Rice.
With the solidification of the Sunbelt as a regional conference, there is no longer a clear pipeline to the American as a potential upgrade. Future American additions will likely come from Conference USA rather than the Sunbelt.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 6/27/19, UConn has left the American Athletic Conference and rejoined the Big East.
As of 4/02/13, The new conference name is the American Athletic Conference.
As of 3/26/13, Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be “promoted” to an all-sports member.
As of 3/7/12, per reports, the conference will likely opt for the name “America 12”.
As of 2/28/13, per reports, the 7 Catholic schools who are departing the Big East will do so and retain the Big East name.
As of 1/16/13, SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
As of 12/31/12, Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
As of 11/27/12, the Big East is at a crossroads as the 7 non-football schools are arranging to split from the football schools in some capacity. This might mean they leave to form a new conference or are able to retain the name forcing the football schools to leave. The split is something that has seemingly been destinated to happen since 2003.
As of 11/27/12, Louisville will join the ACC in 2014 as it’s 14th member, replacing Maryland, the same day that the Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. The conference might not stop there with rumors out of the home office that they are considering 16 football schools.
As of 11/14/12, the Big East took another step back when Rutgers left to join the Big Ten. With Maryland leaving the ACC, the Big East will likely lose another school to the ACC such as UConn or Louisville.
The Big East took a blow on 9/12/12 when Notre Dame joined the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football.
As for 3/07/12, the Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee).
As of 1/23/12, The Big East, looking to replentish their basketball product due to the losses of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and WVU, has added Memphis for all-sports, joining in the 2013 season.
As of 1/23/12, the Big East added Navy for the 2015 season. The conference hopes this will help convince Air Force to join as the 12th member to premit a conference championship game, while adding to the conferences new western membership front.
As of 12/07/11, The Big East has finally pulled the trigger on expansion, bringing in UCF, Houston and SMU for all-sports and Boise St. and San Diego St. for football only. Air Force has already passed and Navy remain options for football-only membership as well. Should they pass, then schools like Temple or even Memphis will be considered for all-sports, ECU for football-only. It also appears that with the additions of the 2 western schools, other schools in the region like UNLV could be included.
As of 11/21/11, The Big East expansion plan has moved at a snails pace. For some reason, while waiting to finalize everything with schools liek Air Force, Navy, BYU and Boise St., the Big East has delayed an announcement of adding UCF, SMU and Houston. Instead of a staggered announcement plan to maintain “buzz” on the Big East, it appears the Big East is instead waiting until all schools are lined up. The delay is causing some turmoil at UCF, Houston and SMU, with Houston missing an opportunity to use their ESPN Gameday hosting on Saturday, November 19th as an opportunity to promote the Big East. The delay with BYU seems to be TV revenue where ESPN/BYU want to retain all home broadcast revenue while the Big East expects the lague to absord that revenue.
As of 10/27/11, hhe Big East has lost WVU to the Big 12. They are still going forward with the plan to add UCF, SMU and Houston for all-sports with Boise St. and Air Force for football only along with Navy. Temple will likely be considered as well for the vacated WVU spot, for football only or all-sports.
As of 10/25/11, The Big East is still in waiting mode. Missouri is expected to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, opening up a spot in the Big 12 for frontrunner WVU. When WVU leaves the Big East, schools like Boise St. and Air Force may be less inclined to join the Big East for football-only. CUSA members UCF, Houston and SMU seem more likely to accept full membership in the Big East despite the expected loss of WVU. Should the Big 12 opt to expand to 12, Louisville will likely be part of the incoming class, a move that would lower the Big East total membership to 4 football members. At that point, the Big East will need to decide:
1) expand with 4-6 all-sports schools such as UCF, Houston, SMU, Temple, etc and hope it is enough to retain the BCS AQ
2) drop football sponsorship and allow the 4 football members to seek football-only membership in the CUSA/MWC partnership
3) invite 4 all-sports members to keep FBS football and include football only members such as ECU to add to the membership totals
As of 10/6/11, TCU was formally invited to the Big 12 to be the 12th member. This brings the Big East to 6 football members. Louisville and WVU continue to be options for the Big 12 should they lose Missouri and need a new #10 school. If they expand to 12 with or without Missouri, Lousiville and WVU are considered top candidates. Cincinnati to also on the rdar to some extent if Missouri left and the Big 12 opted to expand to 12. As in previous weeks, Uconn and Rutgers continue to hope that the ACC offers them invitations.
As of 10/5/11:
The Big East, like the Big 12, is on life support. With the losses of Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC, the conference is now at 7 members for football.
Potential candidates now include: UCF, SMU, Air Force and Temple for all sports, with Navy, Villanova & ECU for football-only options. Temple is also a football-only option. Oddly, Houston is not a top option now. Memphis is not considered an option either.
But the Big East is now in a position where theyrisk loosing further members:
– Rutgers and UConn remain potential flight risks to the ACC schould they expand to 16
– TCU could opt to remain in the Mountain West
At one point, a scenario existed where Big 12 remnants and the Big East form some type of union. It had appeared that the Big East had to power hand at 9, willing to bring in the likes of Kansas, Kansas St., Missouri, Iowa St. and Baylor. But now, a Big 12 with 7 members including Texas could easily woo select Big East schools.
As of 9/8/11, the Big East was actively looking to expand to 10 football members, considering football expansion to 12, but would prefer football only candidates. If the SEC expands, there will likely be trickle down with the Big East losing schools to ACC, SEC, Big 12.
Potential expansion candidates include Houston, UCF, Villanova, Navy/Army, Temple, East Carolina, Memphis.
With Texas A&M leaving the Big 12, there is always the threat that the Pac-12 will revisit adding schools such as Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. If such a thing happened, the Big East would likely look to add most/all of the remaining schools if available from the Big 12: Missouri, Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St., Baylor.
Rice
The school is one of the newest members of the American.
With the expansion of the Big 12 to 12 members that included Houston, Rice is less of an option to join that conference.
With the 2022-2023 Pac-12 expansion situation due to the loss of USC and UCLA, the school could be considered a long-shot option to join to provide television access to the Houston market.
UTSA
The school is one of the newest members of the American
With the expansion of the Big 12 to 12 members, UTSA is less of an option to join that conference.
With the 2022-2023 Pac-12 expansion situation due to the loss of USC and UCLA, the school could be considered a long-shot option to join to provide television access to the San Antonio and Austin market.
4/20/12: UTSA will join CUSA for the 2013 season.
3/25/12: School has an informal invitation from the Sun Belt.
11/4/10:Will join the WAC conference
11/4/10: Will sponsor football and hopes to be at the FBS level.
Possible: Joins Sunbelt Possible: Joins CUSA/MWC
Florida Atlantic
The school is one of the newest members of the American
FAU is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conference unless the Sunbelt opted to expand to south Florida.
North Texas
The school is one of the newest members of the American
With the expansion of the Big 12 to 12 members, North Texas is less of an option to join that conference.
With the 2022-2023 Pac-12 expansion situation due to the loss of USC and UCLA, the school could be considered a long-shot option to join to provide television access to the Dallas market.
Charlotte
The school is one of the newest members of the American
As of 2023, Charlotte is not considered a expansion candidate for any other conferences. Should the American lose members and the conference face instability, Charlotte could turn to the Sunbelt.
5/1/12:Charlotte will be joining CUSA for the 2013 season, with football joining once they are ready for FBS.
4/20/12: Charlotte is expected to move to CUSA(if it is selected over LA Tech for the final spot) or to the Sun Belt.
3/25/12: School has an informal invitation from the Sun Belt. Would play football there once upgrading to FBS. Charlotte is expected to accept unless a CUSA/MWC invite were issued instead. Currently, LA Tech is leading Charlotte for the final CUSA spot available.
History: Would be an appealing option should the Big East split into 2 conferences. Has announced aspirations to start football “at the highest level”. But will participate in football by 2013 at the FCS level. At FBS level, could try to reunite with former CUSA mates or even Sunbelt. Likely: starts football and upgrades to FBS in the next few years as an independent. Long shot: joins CUSA/MWC for football or all-sports Long shot: joins Sunbelt for all-sports Long shot: joins Big East for all-sports
UAB
The school is one of the newest members of the American
UAB is not currently considered an expansion option for any conferences, as of 2023.
6/1/15: UAB will reinstate football, expected to return in 2016.
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA.
Tulsa
Tulsa is not currently considered a top candidate for expansion for conferences such as the Big 12.
Given the issues the Pac-12 is facing in 2023, it’s not a stretch to think that if more members exit, Tulsa might be on the future radar.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/26/13: Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be “promoted” to an all-sports member
11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, could be a future Big East candidate.
ECU is not considered a top expansion target by any other conference.
Should the American face future instability, they would likely reach out to the Sunbelt for stability.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/26/13: Tulsa will join the conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be “promoted” to an all-sports member.
11/27/12: The Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only. ECU still needs to fie a temporary home for non-football sports.
History: Provides near top 25 caliber football but little for basketball and virtually no market or state following. Recent 2007 rumblings have a CUSA split into an eastern conference and a new Southwest Conference.
Long shot: joins the Big East football-only members following a suture split
Possible: Replaces a Big East team should one be part of Big Ten expansion
Tulane
Tulane could be a future expansion option for conferences such as the Big 12 or the Pac-12 should either conference seek to enter the New Orleans market.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/12: The Big East has expanded by adding Tulane for all-sports and ECU for football only.
History:
Offers New Orleans market but is suffering from some severe financial issues. Admins discussed dropping football to FCS or eliminating it. Announced they are remaining in FBS.
Temple
3/7/12: The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee).
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.
10/5/11: Temple is being considered for either an all-sports or football-only membership in the Big East.
History:
Long shot: Joins the football side of a split Big East conference
Longershot: if the ACC needed replacements and the Big East schools were mostly in the Big Ten, Temple might draw some interest if they were teamed with BC and another regional school (like UConn).
Long shot: is one of the schools on CUSA radar in their 18 team scenario.
Navy
(Patriot for Basketball)
Previous News and Speculation:
1/23/12:Navy is set to join the Big East in 2015
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.
11/7/11: The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East
Would consider Big East membership if invited (and the conference stable).
History: turned down CUSA twice.
Memphis is not considered a top option for an invitation from another conference. But if the Big 12 or Pac-12 sought more expansion or needed to replace future departing members, Memphis would be considered.
Previous News and Speculation:
Feb 7, 2012: Happy days are here again for Memphis. After being passed over by the Big East in favor of SMU, Houston, UCF for all-sports and SDSU, Boise St. and Navy for football, Memphis has finally be added to the Big East stable. While the lineup looks more like CUSA now, Memphis at least was not left behind. A good market with a good basketball program. Football program is on the ups.
History:
Long shot: joins the Big East years down the road should the football schools split from the basketball schools
Possible: replaces a Big East team should one be part of Big Ten expansion . Depending on how the Big 12 is effected, Memphis could be on their radar.
Long shot: if the Big 12 lost members and sought replacement to maintain the Big 12, they could be a potential target.
SMU is currently considered a top expansion candidate for the Pac-12 as an option to enter the Dallas market.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU.
12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC.
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.
11/07/11: The school remains expected to accept a Big East invitation to join for all sports.
10/5/11: SMU is being considered as a Big East replacement
9/1/11: SMU is actively pursuing the Big 12 to replace a departing TAMU.
History: Comfortable in CUSA. Like Rice, could be a future Big 12 option. Could be targeted by the MWC for expanson to 12 schools.
South Florida is not currently considered a top expansion option for other conferences. Should the Big 12 seek to expand, the school could be considered an option at that time.
Previous News and Speculation:
Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East. If any ACC team in Florida left, could be a target as well.
Big Ten Expansion & Realignment
The Big Ten completed one of the bolder moves in conference realignment in 2022, when they announced USC and UCLA would be joining the conference. The move expands the conference to 16 schools ranging from the east to the west coast. Each Big Ten member school would not consider leaving the conference as of 2023, as the Big Ten and SEC media rights deals provide more revenue per school than any other conference. There have not been any set plans to continue expansion to the west with additional schools such as Oregon and Washington. With the conference now including the Los Angeles market, all eyes will be on the ACC and it’s grant of rights agreement that expires in 2036, which serves as a blockade for ACC members to leave for the Big Ten or the SEC. Should 8 of the ACC members vote to remove the grant of rights agreement, a majority, it’s very likely that the Big Ten and SEC would expand to 18-20 schools each with ACC members.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 11/14/12, the Big Ten has expanded to 14, adding Rutgers and Maryland.
As of 9/1/11, all was stable. Would likely only expand if Notre Dame were available or if the current conference trend changed to 14 or 16 schools. Recently stated they are not looking to expand, but if “super conferences” came to be, might look at schools like Missouri, Syracuse, Pitt, Uconn, Boston College, Rutgers, etc.
After being labeled in the Pac-12 section forever as “very stable”, the school made the bold move to join the Big Ten as one of its newest members. After announcing in the summer of 2022 that they will join, the school will start competing in 2024.
After being labeled in the Pac-12 section forever as “very stable”, the school made the bold move to join the Big Ten as one of its newest members. After announcing in the summer of 2022 that they will join, the school will start competing in 2024.
Maryland
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 11/14/12: The Big Ten has expanded to 14, adding Rutgers and Maryland.
History: Rumored candidate for Big Ten should they expand beyond 12
Probable: No intentions of leaving the 12 team ACC.
Long shot: Big Ten could court them in a 16 team scenario; if the SEC expanded beyond 12, they could be a candidate.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 11/14/12: Rutgers was holding out hope that the ACC will send them a life raft as #16 with Uconn as #15. Instead of a life raft from the ACC, Rutgers got a cruise ship via an inviation from the Big Ten.
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”.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 6/11/10: Nebraska has accepted an invitation to become the 12th member of the Big Ten, leaving the Big 12.
6/9/10: Rumored to have accepted Big Ten invite
Considered a necessary component for the Big 12 to remain intact.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Very stable.
Big 12 Expansion & Realignment
As of 10/27/11, WVU has been invited and accepted to join the Big 12. Missouri is expected to join the SEC, keeping the membership numbers at 10. There is still a chance that Louisville and perhaps a 12th school could be invited, but it appears 10 will be the number.
As of 10/25/11, The Big 12 is still waiting on Missouri, although it appears Missouri will announce plans to join the SEC in the coming days. WVU is considered the top option to replace Missouri, followed by Louisville. BYU is still on the radar but it seems more likely they join under a 12 school scenario. The conference is not yet set on remaining at 10 or expanding to 12. Notre Dame is also being pursued as a non-football member should they opt to leave the Big East.
As of 10/5/11, the big 12 is still all over the place. The conference make strides in opting for equal revenue sharing for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 rights, a big win for all the schools not names Oklahoma or Texas.
However, Missouri has cold feet. On 10/4/11, the school voted to consider all it’s options. This means Missouri will consider the SEC. If no formal invitation is extended, Missouri will remain in the Big 12. The school might opt to remain even with an SEC invitation, although that would seem to be a long shot.
As of 9/18/11, the Big 12 plans was still in a holding pattern. The skinny?
Texas was considering it’s options, with a defection to the Pac-12 or rebuilding the Big 12 as the top options. Joining the ACC with Pitt and Syracuse and likely a 16th school, Notre Dame or Rutgers was being considered, but has lost any traction due to the ACC stance on equal revenue sharing.
However, with the Big East losing 2 schools and potentially losing 2 more, it did give the Big 12 more power in it’s own control.
Baylor & others threatened legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they would waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12).
Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, were evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opted to leave, Texas reportedly could have remained in a rebuilt Big 12 but would have still had the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech.
Meanwhile, Missouri remained a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC
Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools.
Colorado
Previous News and Speculation:
7/26/2023: Colorado will depart the Pac-12 after the 2023 season to join the Big 12
7/1/2023: The school is considered a candidate for Big 12 expansion
6/10/10:Colorado has officially joined the Pac-10, leaving the Big 12
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6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
History: 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.
The school is one of the newest member of the Big 12 and is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU.
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.
11/07/11: BYU is considered a candidate for the #12 football-only spot in the Big East should Boise St., Air Force and Navy all accept.
9/8/11: BYU is rumored to be the top Big 12 candidate to replace Texas A&M
9/1/10: BYU has left the MWC to participate as an independent. Non-football sports will be housed in the WCC.
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.September 2010: WCC (non-football sports) BYU is located in the WCC section, their home for non-football sports.
The school is one of the newest member of the Big 12 and is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC.
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.
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
The school is one of the newest member of the Big 12 and is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU.
12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC.
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.
11/07/11: The school remains expected to accept a Big East invitation to join for all sports.
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.
The school is one of the newest member of the Big 12 and is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/12: Cincinnati is considered an ACC expansion candidate at this time.
Could be member of a football conference following a potential future split of the Big East.
Possible (2/10/12): if Big 12 expands from 10 to 12, could be a candidate
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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. 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. 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
HISTORY: The school has made strong strides in recent years to find stability after a basketball scandal.
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.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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
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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC. Given the schools history of basketball, the ACC might be the most logical spot should the ACC hold off the Big Ten and SEC from poaching and seek to expand.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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
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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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
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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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
6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
9/9/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, are evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opt to leave, Texas reportedly might remain in a rebuilt Big 12 but would still have the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Missouri remains a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools.
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
6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
History:
Was flirted with by the Pac 10 in the 90′s, but was talked out of that move by the admins of fellow Big 12 school Texas Tech. Doubtful they would listen to the PAC 10 again. Rumors have flurried that the SEC has considered expanding to 14 and that Texas and Texas A&M would be the most likely candidates. Texas would provide a new market for the conference, but it would mean dividing the SEC pot with 2 more teams. Texas has also been rumored to have considered forming a new conference with Oklahoma and select Big 12 schools along with other potential schools like Arkansas. Texas is rumored to be a potential target by the Big Ten…a long shot for sure. They are also on the Pac-10 wish list and perhaps even the SEC if they expanded.
TCU
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
10/6/11: TCU has been invited to the Big 12 an expected to join for the 2012-2013 season. The move to the Big 12 would mean the school would never compete in the Big East, leaving before officially joining. TCU has been one of the most active schools in Division 1, left behind when the SWC folded, moved to the WAC, to CUSA, to MWC, to Big East in theory, and now the Big 12. The massive number of Big 12 alumni in the Dallas area should be happy they now have a Big 12 school in their market.
10/5/11: TCU is in a good spot. They are considered a top candidate for the Big 12. If they are not invited and others are like Louisville or WVU, hurting the Big East, TCU would likely opt to remain in the Mountain West.
9/8/11: While TCU is not a prominent candidate for the Big 12, they remain on the radar in the event that the Big 12 needs multiple replacements schould TAMU, missouri, Oklahoma and OSU leave.
11/29/10: TCU has joined the Big East as it’s 9th football and 17th all-sports member.
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.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
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
6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target by the ACC, Big Ten or SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
10/27/11: WVU has been invited and accepted to join the Big 12.
10/26/11: Louisville is putting pressure on the Big 12to invite them instead of WVU, a move that seemed finalized yesterday. Sources claim it’s 50/50 on WVU or UL for the post-Missouri #10 spot.
10/25/11: WVU is expended to be joining the Big 12
10/20/11: WVU is considered the frontrunner to join the Big 12to replace Missouri when that school leaves for the SEC.
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.
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.
HISTORY: 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
Conference USA Realignment & Expansion
No conference has been as negatively impacted by the 2022-2023 expansion moves than Conference USA. The conference had at one time been just outside the reach of the American and Mountain West conferences outside the P5 group. But with years of losing schools to the American, in 2022, there was a drastic change where the Sunbelt was no longer the conference where CUSA would find it’s replacements. While the Sunbelt-to-CUSA pipeline had been the norm for decades, those days are over. Instead, CUSA schools are jumping ship and hoping to get a future Sunbelt invitation.
The current options for CUSA expansion have been independents such as Liberty and New Mexico State, as well as FBS programs.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 6/1/15, UAB will reinstate football, expected to return in 2016.
On December 1, 2014, UAB announced it was dropping football sponsorship. This move is expected force UAB out of the conference.
As of 3/30/13, WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season.
As of 3/26/13, Tulsa will join the Big East conference as the 11th all-sports member, 12th for football while ECU will be “promoted” to an all-sports member.
As of 11/28/12, Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU.
As of 9/11/11, the conference would be considered stable but members could be targeted by several other conferences such as the Big East (Houston, UCF, Memphis, ECU) and Big 12 (Houston, SMU). Should CUSA need to add replacements, potential candidates include North Texas, Temple, Charlotte, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, Troy, UTSA, Texas St., New Mexico St., FAU and FIU.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
10/14/2022: Kennesaw St. to upgrade to FBS, join CUSA
9/2/13: Kennesaw St. will join the Big South as a football-only member.
History: Plans to add non-scholarship football in 2014.
Possible: joins the Big South
1/6/05: Kennesaw St. will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/5/2021: SHSU to upgrade to FBS, join CUSA
11/27/07: Internal committee is in favor of a FBS (formerly I-A) upgrade. Possible: Joins WAC
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/5/2021: Jacksonville St. to upgrade to FBS, join CUSA
4/19/11: Jacksonville St. is officially exploring FBS football considering an upgrade to FBS football and leaving the Ohio Valley Conference.
Liberty
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/15/2021: Liberty to join CUSA 5/18/2018: Liberty will move from the Big South to the Atlantic Sun
2/16/2017: Liberty to updgrade to FBS football
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA for Liberty should they upgrade to FBS.
History: Little interest from other conferences, considering FBS upgrade
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/5/201: NMSU to CUSA
3/01/16: New Mexico St. and Idaho will leave as football-only members of the Sun Belt by the 2017 season.Unless invited to antoher conference, which is unlikely, New Mexico St. will likel yneed to aprticipate as an independent come 2017.
8/18/12: NMSU is expected to participate as an FBS independent in 2013, hoping to join the Sun Belt as a future replacement.
Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football:
New Mexico St. is in a worse situation that Texas St. Their only hope is that the Sun Belt opts to expand to 12 schools, adding Charlotte or LA Tech along with Texas St. to get to 11 following the departures of North Texas and FIU. NMSU would have to beat out FCS schools like Appalachian St. and Georgia Southern for that final spot. Scenarios if left behind:A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Southland for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Southland reject them D) Downgrade to FCS football and join Southland Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC
History:
Currently in the WAC as there are no other options.
Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC or Sunbelt should they seek replacements
The schools left the Sunbelt previously for greener pastures in Conference USA. With the current state of CUSA as of 2023, the school has likely made overtures to return to the Sunbelt.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/30/13: WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season.
2007: Upgraded to FBS and Sunbelt for all sports.
Old News: 5/1/05: The Sunbelt school have not been mentioned as looking for other homes. As long as football is still even considering a FBS upgrade, they will remain in the Sunbelt. It would be to their best interest to consider a move to a stronger basketball conference such as the Missouri Valley. The MVC has been rising up the RPI charts of late and WKU could help that mission. Even schools in the cellar have hope: Dr. Tom Davis has taken over the Drake program, and former Hampton coach, Steve Merfeld heads the Evansville team.
5/1/04: WKU has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the MAC for the 2006 season. They would join for all sports including an upgrade to FBS football.
Possible: joins MAC
Possible: joins CUSA
UTEP
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/07/11: With CUSA expected to lose 3 schools, bringing their number to 9, and the MWC potentially losing 2 schools to drop to 8, there is a chance that UTEP will move to the MWC with CUSA adding a school such as North Texas. CUSA and MWC are expected to have a football partnership, even if the membership numbers drop to 18.
Updates: UTEP rumored to be one fo the possibile candidates for MWC expansion to 12
Background:
An unlikely MWC candidate, but still one nonetheless. The MWC formed to lessen the travel for its members in the oversized 16-team league. UTEP was left out of the mix. But they have had impressive football attendance numbers, despite little on-field success until 2004. The MWC could consider UTEP (who would be a strong rival for New Mexico and TCU) as a member. Ideally, the MWC could add UTEP, Fresno and Boise St, and avoid the travel problems associated with adding Hawaii.
5/01/04: UTEP has accepted an invitation to join CUSA for the 2005 season.
Long shot: Joins MWC Longest shot: Brought in by the Big XII to replace Missouri, should they ever join the Big Ten.
Middle Tennessee St.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/28/12: Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU
Comfortable in the Sunbelt, but could be targeted by CUSA if there were a Southwest conference split.
Old News:
Was on the list of candidates to join the WAC as replacements for Rice, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP, but passed over.
Possible: Has been mentioned as a candidate to join the MAC.
Long shot: candidate for CUSA/MWC should they seek replacements
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
4/20/12: Louisiana Tech will be moving to CUSA as member #12 (with UTSA, North Texas and FIU)
History:
With all the stability issues regarding the WAC, every school is keeping it’s options open. Some have potential for the Mountain West or CUSA, while others could become targets by the Sunbelt.
LA Tech doesn’t offer much of a market, but has decent programs and facilities. Considered highly by CUSA before they eventually chose UTEP.
Possible: remain in the WAC
Possible: Leaves the WAC for the Sunbelt, a better regional fit. Long shot: candidate for CUSA should they seek replacements
Florida International
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 4/20/12: Florida International will join CUSA in 2013.
Despite seemingly impending doom since the conference was formed, the MWC has remained stable since BYU left in 2010 for independence and replaced with Hawaii as a football-only member. The conference went through everything from Big 12 and Pac-12 expansion rumors, a situation where members were set to join the Big East (American), and even a CUSA merger.
But with the Pac-12 losses of USC and UCLA, the Mountain West is expected to go through some losses. The conference hopes it’s minimal, with only San Diego St. leaving for the Pac-12 as the Big 12 has expanded without any Mountain West members.
The Pac-12 is expected to primarily target San Diego St. and SMU in 2023, leaving the conference in a position wihere they potentially would only need to add 1 school from the pool of CUSA, FBS upgrades such as Montana, or new ASUN-WAC members.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 1/16/13, SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
As of 12/31/12, Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
As of 4/29/12, The CUSA & Mountain West merger has been put aside in what will likely be in favor of a football-only alliance. As a result, both CUSA and the Mountain West will be replentishing it’s lost members. CUSA will be adding UTSA along with likely North Texas and Florida International and Louisiana Tech. Charlotte and ODU will join for #13 and #14. The Mountain West will be adding Utah St. and San Jose St. to grow it’s membership to 10 football members.
Claims to be happy at 10 but rumors about adding two more for a conference championship have been on going for months. The recent Big 12 developments have likely put those thoughts on hold as they wait to see if anything drastic happens in the Big 12, freeing up schools like Kansas, Kansas St., Missouri, etc. Should the MWC need any replacements should the Big 12 take any schools, or seek to expand to 12, the likely candidates include: Houston, SMU, UTEP, Utah State, San Jose State.
San Diego St. is currently the top candidate to join the Pac-12 as well as being on the radar for Big 12 western expansion.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/16/13: SDSU has opted to remain in the Mountain West, passing on joining the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
12/31/12: With Boise St. remaining in the Mountain West as #11, the conference is expected to consider further expansion from a group including SDSU, Houston, SMU, UTEP and BYU.
12/07/11: The Big East has expanded with 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC.
11/7/11: SDSU is trying to be included in the proposed Big East expansion Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. If the league voted to expand, and the California schools had pressure put on them by the state government, the league could add a 5th California team. Would also add the San Diego market.
For 2023, the school is currently on the radar for both the Pac-12 and the Big 12.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/31/12: Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
8/24/12: Boise St. has joined the Big West for non-football sports, effective 8/1/13.
Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football:
The newest WAC member, as a result of Boise St. moving it’s football program to the Big East. Should the WAC fold, Boise St. will have a few options. Options if the WAC folds: – seek membership in the Big Sky for non-football sports – join the Summit League for non-football sports – Try again to get the Big West to accept them for non-football sports
History:
12/07/11: The Big East has expandedwith 3 all-sports members (UCF, Houston, SMU) and two football-only members (SDSU and Boise St.). SDSU will move to the Big West for non-football sports, Boise St. to the WAC.
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.
11/7/11:
The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East
6/11/10:
Boise St. has officially accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West, starting July 2011.
History:
Becomes an even more attractive candidate each year with the success of their football program. Acceptable market, strong football program with decent facilities. Humanitarianism bowl helps their case.
6/9/20: did not receive an invitation from the MWC as the MWC opted to wait to see what happens to the Big 12. Boise St. could still get an eventual invite.
12/20/2008: Boise St. has been more public about their interest in the MWC Likely: remains in WAC Possible: If the MWC expands to 10-12, Boise State will be included.
Air Force
For 2023, the school is not currently considered a top option for the Big 12.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/08/11: Air Force has officially passed on the Big East
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.
11/7/11: The school is currently a candidate for a football-only invite in the Big East
9/8/11: Is considered to be one of the candidates for the Big12 if/when Texas A&M leaves.
Long shot: was considered a candidate for the Big 12 should they seek to replace departing schools (only applicable if the Big 12 remained intact)
Long shot: Should the PAC10 expand, Air Force could be brought in along with BYU.
Colorado St
The school is not considered a top candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12.
Previous News and Speculation:
Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12, especially if Colorado were persuaded to join.
Long shot: candidate should the big 12 need replacements
New Mexico
The school is not considered a top candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12. New Mexico could become a Pac-12 candidate should the conference lose members to the Big 12 such as Arizona, Arizona St., Colorado and Utah.
Previous News and Speculation:
Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded beyond 12. Would provide the league with the Albuquerque market, settled next to Pac 10 schools Arizona and ASU.
Long shot: candidate should Big 12 need replacements
Fresno State
The school currently a candidate for Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
8/19/10: The school has accepted in invitation to join the Mountain West conference starting in 2012.
If and when the Mountain West expands, Fresno State could be on their list. The question will be how many teams. Word out of the MWC is that they are taking a careful approach to expansion, and aren’t looking to expand to 12 right away.
Fresno St. has dropped partial qualifiers in an attempt to improve their appeal to the MWC and PAC 10.
Likely: remains in WAC
Possible: joins the MWC
Long shot: will additional pressure put on the Pac 10 presidents by the California state government, Fresno State, along with San Diego State join the PAC 12.
Nevada
The school currently a not a top candidate for Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
8/19/10: The school has accepted in invitation to join the Mountain West conference starting in 2012.
Should the MWC expand, Nevada could be an option for the #12th spot…there aren’t too many candidates other than Fresno, Hawaii, Boise St., UTEP.
Hawaii
(Football-only)
The school is not a candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion and due to travel costs, seems content with all other sports in the Big West.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
11/19/20: Hawaii is expected to join the MWC as a football only member.
Old News:
Hawaii is currently a member of the WAC as of 11/16/10. They have been seeking membership in the Big West and participate as a football independent.
Spent much time with the MWC schools but like Fresno, was left out. Distance away is an issue, but one that could be looked past.
Likely: remains in the WAC
Possible: if the MWC expands to 12 Hawaii could be included. Could jump ahead of Fresno state is the MWC expands
Long shot: gets an invite to the Pac 10.
UNLV
The school currently a candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion due to it’s market size (#40 DMA)
Previous News and Speculation:
Long shot: could be a candidate if the Pac 10 expanded to 12. Would provide the Las Vegas market.
Long shot: candidate should Big 12 need replacements
Long shot: If the Big East needed new FB only members, UNLV could be included
Wyoming
The school not a candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
The least likely MWC school to leave the conference.
The school not currently a candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
4/29/12: Utah St. and San Jose St. will join the Mountain West for 2013. Upon formal announcment, this section will be moved to MWC.
History:
Utah St. seemed to come close to getting a MWC invitation in January 2011. It appeared that both Utah St. and SJSU would be brought in at some pressure from the MWC TV partner, Comcast. In the end, cooler heads prevailed and the MWC chose to remain at 9/10 schools.
Rejected an 8/18/10 invite from MWC thinking the conference would remain solid, only to see Fresno and Nevada leave the next day.
Possible: eventually joins the CUSA/MWC
The school not currently a candidate for the Pac-12 or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
4/29/12: Utah St. and San Jose St. will join the Mountain West for 2013. Upon formal announcment, this section will be moved to MWC.
History:
Currently in the WAC as there are no other options. SJSU seemed to come close to getting a MWC invitation in January 2011, but the conference ultimately opted to remain at 9/10 members.
Possible: joins CUSA/MWC
Division 1 Independent Realignment
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 11/5/2021, Liberty will join CUSA
As of 2/16/2017, Liberty to updgrade to FBS football
As of 3/26/14, UMass will be leaving the MAC, it’s home for football, following the 2015 season.
As of 9/12/12, Notre Dame will join the ACC as the 15th member of the conference, but will not join for football.
Army and Navy at one time might consider a conference such as the Big East, if the Big East extends partial schedules for both schools. Thus far, both schools have rejected the idea.
UConn has prioritized non-football sports since leaving the American.
As the MAC conference requires full-membership, it is not a football-only option for UConn and UMass. However, with CUSA at 10 all-sports members with football and 3 needing to upgrade from FBS, both UMass and UConn would benefit with football-only invitations from CUSA.
Previous News and Speculation:
6/27/19: UConn has left the American Athletic Conference and rejoined the Big East. The football program is expected to participate as an independent until they can find another football conference to join.
A10 (non-football sports)
As the MAC conference requires full-membership, it is not a football-only option for UConn and UMass. However, with CUSA at 10 all-sports members with football and 3 needing to upgrade from FBS, both UMass and UConn would benefit with football-only invitations from CUSA.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA for UMass.
3/26/14: UMass will be leaving the MAC, it’s home for football, following the 2015 season.
3/7/12: The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. The move could mean trouble for UMass, as per the MAC contract, the conference can expel UMass after 2 years if Temple , the other football only member, left, which they are.News: 2/10/12:
Temple is in an interesting position. They are still on the Big East radar to some extend for membership in a number of ways – football only, basketball-only, and all-sports. But with the recent Big East membership changes, Temple is likely out of the Big East plans due to the Memphis all-sports addition.
Temple also remains a candidate to join the newly merged CUSA/MWC conference. Likely, they would be a football-only member. But the school could be slotted in for all-sports with nearby Marshall and ECU.
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.
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.
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.
Ind (Football) / Patriot (non-football sports)
Army has opted thus far against joining Navy in the American.
Previous News and Speculation: Army is located in the Patriot League section, their home for non-football sports.
Ind (Football)
Notre Dame remains an independent despite constant overtures by both the Big Ten and the ACC. Notre Dame has an open inviation to any conference they want from the Big Ten, ACC and SEC.
Previous News and Speculation:
Notre Dame is located in the ACC section, their home for non-football sports
MAC Expansion & Realignment
No MAC schools are currently on the radar for expansion to an existing conference. With UConn no longer in the American, there is little chance that the 4 northeast regional schools of UConn, UMass, Buffalo and Temple will ever participate in the same football conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 10/5/11: The MAC resides at the lower level of the FBS tier and recently expanded to 14 with the addition of UMass. UMass joins as a football only member similar to Temple. Temple is considered an option for CUSA and the Big East, which would leave the MAC at 13 members for football. Should Temple leave the MAC, it might effect UMass’ membership in the MAC.
No MAC schools are currently on the radar for expansion to an existing conference.
No MAC schools are currently on the radar for expansion to an existing conference.
No MAC schools are currently on the radar for expansion to an existing conference.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Previous News and Speculation:
If there is continued growth of the athletic programs, the school could one day be a Big East candidate after decades of success.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Kent St.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Not a viable candidate at this time.
Pac 12 Expansion & Realignment
The Pac-12 is in trouble following the planned losses of USC and UCLA in 2022. To make matters worse, they are struggling to find a solid media rights deal and will certianly have the lowest overall contract of P5 conferences. This is the same conference that almost poached Texas and Oklahoma in 2011…but now is at risk of losing more members not just to the Big Ten, but to the Big 12.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/26/2023: Colorado will depart the Pac-12 after the 2023 season to join the Big 12
As of 9/18/11: Happy at 12 members, but has it’s eyes on Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. for a Pac-14 or including Texas and Texas A&M for a Pac-16. Likely will only expand to 16 if Texas drops its’ demand to keep LHN money.
As of 9/18/11, all parties were still discussing their options.
The school is considered a candidate for Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot.
The school is considered a candidate for Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable. Could be approached by the Big XII should they expand, but a long shot.
Due to budget concerns, the school is not considered a candidate for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion
The school is considered a candidate for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable.
The school is not currently considered an option for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion
The school has been mentioned as a potential Big Ten candidate should academics continue to be a top priority for the conferences expansion plans.
The school is considered a candidate for Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
6/15/10:Utah Joins Pac-10
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.
The school is considered a candidate for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable.
The school is not currently considered an option for Big Ten or Big 12 expansion
SEC Expansion & Realignment
With the additions of Texas and Oklahoma, the SEC is getting even stronger.
Should the SEC expand further, the likely candidates would come from the ACC, should the member schools find a way to eliminate the grants of rights deal that runs until 2036.
Notre Dame will always have an open invitation to the SEC.
Despite the recent success of TCU, there are no other Big 12 schools currently being evaluated by the SEC. Should any Big 12 members show continued growth and consistancy, those schools could become potential options.
Note that no SEC members would be considered options to leave the conference at this time as the SEC and Big Ten media rights contracts are the largest in college football.
Previous News and Speculation:
Status as of 11/06/11: Missouri has officially joined the SEC, expected to begin play in 2012.
History: Was the first conference to go to 12 and may be the first to 14. Texas A&M appears to be moving to the SEC with a 14th school an eventual outcome at some point in the future. If a 14th school is added, potential candidates, despite public denials could include Florida State, Virginia Tech, Missouri, West Virginia, Clemson, Louisville, Georgia Tech. Oklahoma remains a top target but unlikely to consider at this time.
The school is one of the newest members of the conference
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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
6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
The school is one of the newest members of the conference
Previous News and Speculation:
9/9/11: The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12). Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, are evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opt to leave, Texas reportedly might remain in a rebuilt Big 12 but would still have the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech.
Meanwhile, Missouri remains a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC
Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools.
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
6/9/10: Part of a reported 6 teams in the Big 12 that could defect to the Pac-10.
History:
Was flirted with by the Pac 10 in the 90′s, but was talked out of that move by the admins of fellow Big 12 school Texas Tech. Doubtful they would listen to the PAC 10 again. Rumors have flurried that the SEC has considered expanding to 14 and that Texas and Texas A&M would be the most likely candidates. Texas would provide a new market for the conference, but it would mean dividing the SEC pot with 2 more teams. Texas has also been rumored to have considered forming a new conference with Oklahoma and select Big 12 schools along with other potential schools like Arkansas. Texas is rumored to be a potential target by the Big Ten…a long shot for sure. They are also on the Pac-10 wish list and perhaps even the SEC if they expanded.
Very stable
Previous News and Speculation:
11/06/11: Missouri has officially joined the SEC, expected to begin play in 2012.
10/25/11: Missouri is still expected to join the SEC, although the timetable has yet to be finalized.
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.
Very stable.
Arkansas
Previous News and Speculation:
Very stable but could always consider Big 12 membership the price was right. It would take an annual payout greater than the SEC to happen. With the Big 12 uneven revenue distribution model, that makes it even more unlikely.
Auburn
Very stable.
Florida
Very stable.
Georgia
Very stable.
Kentucky
Very stable.
LSU
Very stable.
Mississippi
Very stable.
Mississippi St.
Very stable.
South Carolina
Very stable.
Tennessee
Very stable.
Vanderbilt
Very stable.
Texas A&M
Previous News and Speculation:
9/25/11: Texas A&M has officially been accepted to the SEC
9/8/11: Texas A&M had been given a 5pm deadline to accept an SEC invitation. But in light of the recent threats by Big 12 member schools, the acceptance has been put on hold. TAMU might still declare their intent to leave for the SEC on 2012, or avoid any legal issues by waiting until 2013.
The Big 12 plans are still in a holding pattern. The skinny? Baylor & others threat of legal actions against SEC if TAMU leaves. Same schools say they will waive those legal rights if Oklahoma commits (not leaving for Pac-12).
Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., meanwhile, are evaluating the Pac-12 as an option. If they opt to leave, Texas reportedly might remain in a rebuilt Big 12 but would still have the option to join the then Pac-14 with Texas Tech.
Meanwhile, Missouri remains a candidate for the potential #14 spot in the SEC
Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St. and Baylor have all had preliminary conversations with the Big East as backup. In this scenario, 3-4 of these schools would help expand the Big East to 12 football schools, 20 basketball schools.
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
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.
Sun Belt Expansion & Realignment
For years, the Sunbelt sat at the bottom of the conference realignment ladder, watching the dominos fall each time a school upgraded to a better conference, the replacement came from the next level down. And then the nex treplacement from a conference down. And so on, until the Sunbelt had no options but to target FBS upgrades.
That all changed during the 2021-2022 realignment process.
The Sunbelt has now leapfrogged CUSA and established itself as a stable regional conference. It’s no longer a lock that a Sunbelt school would jump at the chance to join the American. Should any Sunbelt member schools get inviations to a P5 conference, the replacements would likely come from CUSA or FBS.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 3/1/2016, New Mexico St. and Idaho will leave as football-only members of the Sun Belt by the 2017 season.
As ofr 9/01/15, the Sun Belt Conference will expand with Coastal Carolina as an all-sports member in 2016, with it’s football program joining in 2017 after upgrading from FCS to FBS.
As of 3/20/13, WKU will leave the Sun Belt to join Conference USA for the 2014 season.
As of 3/25/13, Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members
As of 11/28/12, Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee St. will join CUSA, replacing Tulane and ECU,
Could consider a WAC member of FCS upgrade if they look to expand to 12 football members.
One of the newst conference members, the school is not currently considered a top expansion target for any other conference.
Should the American seek expansion, the school might be considered.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/28/22: JMU upgrades to FBS, joins Sunbelt
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA for JMU should they upgrade to FBS.
History: Could upgrade to FBS in future
One of the newst conference members, the school is not currently considered a top expansion target for any other conference.
Should the American seek expansion, the school might be considered.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/1/12:ODU will be joining CUSA for the 2013 season. They will eventually upgrade football to FBS and participate in that conference.
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.
Marshall
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/1/15: The Sun Belt Conference will expand with Coastal Carolina as an all-sports member in 2016, with it’s football program joining in 2017 after upgrading from FCS to FBS.History: Coastal Carolina has long sought a SoCon or CAA invitation.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Georgia Southern. could be a candidate.
3/25/13: Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members
4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar.
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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Appalachian St. could be a candidate.
3/25/13: Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members
4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar.
History:
The FCS power has considered an upgrade to FBS. The MAC would be a potential option as school #14 (as of 4/2/12)
Likely: remains in the SoCon
Possible: upgrades to FBS and joins CUSA, MAC or Sunbelt
Longshot: remains in FCS but joins the CAA
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Georgia St. could be a candidate.
4/2/12: Georgia St. has been added as the next member of the Sun Belt.
History:
Often mentioned as future FBS conference candidate once football program decides on upgrade plans.
Possible: joins the Sunbelt or CUSA once they add FBS football.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Arkansas St. could be a candidate.
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.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where ULL could be a candidate.
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.
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Troy could be a candidate.
History: 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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
Little interest. Joined the Sunbelt for all sports in 2005-2006.
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
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
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/12: Comfortable in CUSA but at this point, coud be a future Big East candidate.
Texas State
The school is not currently considered an expansion target for any other conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA where Texas St. could be a candidate.
4/30/12:Texas St. will join the Sun Belt, along with WAC member Texas-Arlington, for the 2013 season History: Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Texas St. could be left out of the FBS football conference mix. Their primary hope is that the Sun Belt loses 2-3 schools with their membership dropping to 8-9. Either Charlotte or LA Tech would be the top replacement, whichever one is not invited to CUSA. Texas St. expects that it will slip into the next spot for school #11 under the scenario in which the Sun Belt loses North Texas and FIU to CUSA, adds Georgia St. for #9, adds Charlotte or LA Tech for #10, and Texas St. for #11.
If the Sun Belt were lose lose out on Charlotte, it might be a blessing in disguise for other schools, as the conference might than take Appalachian St. (similar region as Charlotte) and Texas St. for #12.
Scenarios if left behind: A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while returning to the Southland for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Southland reject themD) Downgrade to FCS football and re-join the Southland Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC More History:
News: 11/4/10:Will join the WAC conference
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.
History:
Possible: Joins the Sunbelt
Possbile: Joins CUSA/MWC
Atlantic 10 Expansion & Realignment
The Atlantic 10 most recently expanded into Chicago with the addition of Loyola-Chicago in November 2021. The move has left the conference with 15 schools, so a 16th remains an option.
The only conference expected to target A10 schools is the Big East.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 7/7/13, Davidson will join the Atlantic 10 for the 2014-2015 season.
As of 3/20/13, to replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, theA10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013.
As of 3/20/13, the Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season.
As of 2/28/13, with the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
As of 12/12/12, with the Big East considering a split, schools such as Xavier, St. Louis, Butler, Dayton, Richmond, VCU and Duquesne have been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
As of 5/29/12, Butler will be leaving the Horizon League a year early, joining the A10 in July 2012. The A10 will be at 16 members for 2012 as a result.
As of 5/12/12, the A10 has seemingly locked up it’s expansion plans in replacing departing Temple with Butler and VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013 to replace Charlotte. Once Charlotte announced they were leaving, it created only a single spot for #14 and VCU was selected over GMU. GMU had been considered if Charlotte was staying to expand to 16 schools, as had an ODU & GMU tandem had ODU not had their recent inivitation from CUSA.
As of 5/1/12, Butler will join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season, replacing Temple and Charlotte is expected to join CUSA. VCU and George Mason as still considered probable to join the A10. The only hiccup now is that with the with both Temple and Charlotte leaving, by bringing in Butler, VCU and GMU, the A10 membership would grow to an uneven 15 with no high caliber candidates for #16 with ODU also headed to CUSA.
The Big East has brought in Temple as an all-sports member on 3/7/12. Temple will join for football for the 2012 season with a $6 million exit fee for the MAC and leave the A10 for non-football sports in 2013 ($1 million exit fee).
As of 9/1/11, A number of schools are targets if there were a Big East split and the basketball schools needed to replenish. Xavier, Dayton, St. Louis, Richmond and Charlotte would be likely targets. Temple and UMass, as FBS football schools, are also candidates in some form for other FBS conferences.
The school is not considered a target candidate by any conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: November 2021: The Atlantic 10 most recently expanded into Chicago with the addition of Loyola-Chicago in November 2021.
News: 4/13/13: Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013.
History: Could be considered for a new Midwest private conference with fellow Horizon and MVC schools should the NCAA allow new automatic bids from new conferences.
The school is not considered a target candidate by any conference, a longshot Big East candidate should the conference seek to expand into the south.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/7/13: Davidson will join the Atlantic 10 for the 2014-2015 season.
History: Davidson rejected previous overtures from the CAA to remain in the Southern Conference. If Davidson were to leave, it would need to be for a larger revenue conference such as the Atlantic 10.
The school is not considered a target candidate by any conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/23/13: To replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, theA10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013.
5/11/12: After being passed over by the A10 in favor of Butler and VCU, GMU will remain in the CAA.
3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10 but no formal invitation is expected.
Stable, could add football at the FCS level.
The school is not considered a target candidate by any conference, a longshot Big East candidate should the conference seek to expand into the south.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
5/12/12: VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013
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.
The school is considered a top candidate Big East candidate expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
Would be an appealing option should the Big East split into 2 conferences. Could be looking at the MVC if they no longer feel the A10 to be ideal.
The school is considered a top candidate Big East candidate expansion
Previous News and Speculation:
2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History: Great fan support, facilities and market. Would be one of the top options for a basketball-only Big East.
Possible: joins with the Big East basketball schools should they split from the football schools in 2010.
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History: Offers the Pittsburgh market, but little else.
Long shot: forced out of the Atlantic 10 to make room for more attractive schools, finds a home in the Horizon, MVC, MAAC, Patriot, America East.
Fordham
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
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
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school has previously been considered a candidate for Big East expansion, and likely tops the list for any southern expansion.
Previous News and Speculation:
2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History: Richmond market; could get interest by the Big East non-football schools in years to come.
Likely: remains in A10
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
It’s hard to look good after the recent program scandal. If ever ousted, could join MAAC, NEC or America East.
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
12/1/14: UAB announced it will be dropping football. This is expected to lead to them departing Conference USA. This could open up a spot in CUSA for UMass.
3/26/14: UMass will be leaving the MAC, it’s home for football, following the 2015 season.
4/19/11:UMass will join the MAC in FBS for the 2013 season
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
The school is not considered a candidate for other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
7/16/12:
For football-only, but if the CAA brings in Albany and Stony Brook, URI is expected to remain in the CAA and not move to the NEC.
History:
Another Providence market team (home of the Big East offices) but light-years from an upgrade. In fact, while currently in the CAA for football in 2011, URI will be downgrading and joining the NEC within 2 years.
America East Expansion & Realignment
As for 9/1/11, the AE was stable at 9 members. Has considered adding a 10th. AE membership is expected to remain as is unless there were some drastic changes to conferences like the A10 or CAA.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
3/29/22: Bryant has left the NEC for the America East conference
Upgraded it’s athletics to Division 1 and joined the NEC.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
6/14/20: NJIT will leave the Atlantic Sun to join the America East conference NJIT will join the Atlantic Sun as a replacement for Northern Kentucky.
12/12/12: With the NEC losing 3 schools to the MAAC, NJIT will likely be added as a replacement.
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
2/14/13: Umass Lowell will join the America East, upgrading from Division 2.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
The only scenario in which the school would garner interest would be if the CAA were to face a large exodus of future FBS upgrades, and consider a pair of UNH and Maine to be able to keep football. It’s a longshot scenario at best.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences other than potentially the CAA
Previous News and Speculation:
7/17/12: Albany is being considered for a football-only spot in the CAA.
History:
Little interest from other conferences.
Could be targeted by the CAA (or a new America East or A10 football sponsorship if they upgraded.)
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences
Previous News and Speculation:
2001: Binghamton upgrades to Division 1 and joins the America East
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
The only scenario in which the school would garner interest would be if the CAA were to face a large exodus of future FBS upgrades, and consider a pair of UNH and Maine to be able to keep football. It’s a longshot scenario at best.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Despite basketball success, Vermont has never been considered an option by the Atlantic 10
Atlantic Sun Expansion & Realignment
The Atlantic Sun has gone through a transformation as a conference that was regularly losing schools to higher conferences, and forced to replace from the Division 2 upgrade pool.
Since 2021, the ASUN has found themselves able to draw interest from schools in other conferences, poaching the likes of Central Arkansas, EKU and Austin Peay.
The conference is also in a unique situation as they have an alliance with the WAC for FCS football, allowing the FCS members of both conferences to participate as if they were a single football conference.
This football alliance is leading to the formation of an FBS conference comprised of the current FCS members.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/10/2022: Queens University is upgrading to Division 1 and joining the Atlantic Sun
News: 7/1/2021: EKU to leave the OVC for Atlantic Sun
News: 9/17/2021: Austin Peay is leaving the OVC for the Atlantic Sun
1/29/2021: Central Arkansas is leaving the Southland for the Atlantic Sun
News: 6/21/2019:Bellarmine University will join the Atlantic Sun for the 2020-2021 season.
As of 5/18/18, Liberty will move it’s sports from the Big South to the Atlantic Sun
As of 11/15/2017, the Big South will add Hampton and USC Upstate for the 2018-2019 season
As of 12/6/2016, North Alabama will upgrade to Diviision I and join the Atlantic Sun, while football participates in the Big South
As of 6/11/15, NJIT will join the Atlantic Sun as a replacement for Northern Kentucky.
As of 5/09/15, Northern Kentucky will leave the Atlantic Sun conference to join the Horizon League for the 2015-2016 season.
As of 9/2/13, Kennesaw St. will join the Big South as a football-only member.
As of 6/1/13, ETSU and Mercer will leave to join the Southern Conference
As of 12/08/11, The Atlantic Sun has added NKU as it’s newest member.
As of 9/1/11, currently 9 schools. Member schools have added football or are considering it which could make them more attractive to other conferences in the future. Should schools leave NJIT and/or Longwood would become the most likely targets at the D-I level or the conference could turn to D-II for upgrades.
Queens University Charlotte
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/10/2022: Queens University is upgrading to Division 1 and joining the Atlantic Sun
Eastern Kentucky
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences but is considering an FBS upgrade. The only potential spots would be CUSA or the proposed ASUN-WAC FBS upgrade.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/2021: EKU to leave the OVC for Atlantic Sun
1/29/14: EKU is considering an FBS upgrade
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/17/2021: Austin Peay is leaving the OVC for the Atlantic Sun
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/29/21: Central Arkansas is leaving the Southland for the Atlantic Sun
2006: Upgraded to FCS football and Div. 1 and joined the Southland
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Bellarmine University will join the Atlantic Sun for the 2020-2021 season.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
History: Could upgrade to Division 1, FCS and look to the Big South, OVC or even Southland.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/6/05: North florida will upgrade to D1 and join the Atlantic Sun in 2006.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Has been mentioned as a potential OVC candidate. Could add non-scholarship football.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Big Sky Expansion & Realignment
The Big Sky lost member Southern Utah to the WAC in 2021 and has held since. The biggest threat to the Big Sky is any potential FBS expansion in conferences such as the Mountain West, where Montana could be an option.
Depending on what progresses with the ASUN-WAC FBS developments, there is always the chance that schools on the fringes of the Big Sky footprint such as Northern Arizona and Sacramento St. could consider the WAC.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 1/14/2021: Southern Utah to leave the Big Sky for the WAC
As of 1/26/2017: North Dakota Joins Summit for All-Sports and MVFC for Football
As of 4/27/2016, Idaho joining the Big Sky for football, downgrading from FBS
As of 10/19/12, Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports.
As of 7/15/12, the Big Sky have been discussing the option to absord the WAC in some capacity. It is unclear how feasible this would be at this time.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
4/27/16: Idaho will downgrade football from FBS to FCS and participate in the Big Sky for all sports.
3/01/16: New Mexico St. and Idaho will leave as football-only members of the Sun Belt by the 2017 season.
8/17/12: Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports and an FBS football independent and join the Big Sky for other sports.
Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football:
Idaho is in the worst possible spot. They regionally are not an ideal fit for all-sports membership in the Sun Belt, the only conference that might have space for them (since the MWC does not have any desire for them at this time). Idaho’s only shot of not being am FBS football independent will be if they are able to join the Sun Belt in some capacity. Scenarios if left behind:A) Participate as a FBS independent while remaining in the WAC for non-football sports B) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Big Sky for non-football sports C) Participate as a FBS independent while joining the Summit League for non-football sports should the WAC fold and Big Sky reject them D) Downgrade to FCS football and join Big Sky Conference Other FBS option: school could seek football only membership in a conference such as the Sun Belt or MAC
History:
June 2004: While 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
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
The Big Sky member could save some travel costs by moving to the Big West and remain a football-only member of the Big Sky, the same arrangement of UC Davis and Cal Poly. Such a move would balance the Big Sky all-sports membership at 10 rather than the awkward 11.
—————
4/28/06: There have been rumblings that the Big Sky school might consider an upgrade to FBS and seek WAC membership.
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
The school is considered a top candidate FBS conferences such as the proposed ASUN-WAC or the Mountain West.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/11/10: Montana has rejected a WAC invitation and will remain in FCS and the Big Sky
—–
Has explored upgrading to FBS as recent as March 2010. Would be a logical fit for the WAC or MWC should they upgrade. Possible: joins CUSA/MWC
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences. If the WAC remains FCS, NAU might consider a move given the ease in travel costs.
Previous News and Speculation:
Has had to deal with a budget crisis in which the dropping of football was rumored.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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
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.
Big South Expansion & Realignment
Recent moves by the Atlantic Sun have put the Big South in a defensive position. As the conference is down to 9 members, replacements will have to come from Division 2 upgrades.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/18/2018: Liberty will leave the Big South to join the Atlantic Sun
As of 11/19/2017, Presbyterian College will downgrade it’s football to non-scholarship and join the Pioneer League in 2021
On 11/16/17, it was announced that the Big South will add Hampton and USC Upstate for the 2018-2019 season
As of 2/16/2017: Liberty to updgrade to FBS football
As of 9/1/15, the Sun Belt Conference will expand with Coastal Carolina as an all-sports member in 2016, with it’s football program joining in 2017 after upgrading from FCS to FBS.
On 9/2/13, Kennesaw St. will join the Big South as a football-only member.
As of 3/22/13, Big South member VMI will leave to rejoin the Southern Conference.
As of 1/21/12, the Big South has added Longwood as it’s newset member.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/15/17: USC Upstate will join the Big South for the 2018-2019 season
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Has expressed interest in joining the Atlantic Sun
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 7/1/2008: Winthrop considers adding football
Gardner-Webb
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Joined the Big South as full member in 2007.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 11/19/17: Presbyterian College will downgrade it’s football to non-scholarship and join the Pioneer League in 2021
4/5/2006: Presbyterian College upgraded to FCS and participates in the Big South
Longwood
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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)
Big West Expansion & Realignment
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 11/27/17, UCSD will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Big West as it’s 10th member. Cal-State Bakersfield will also join the Big West from the WAC
As of 12/31/12, Boise St. has opted to remain in the Mountain West and will not join the Big East for football and Big West for other sports.
On 3/24/12, Boise St. has joined the Big West, effective July 1, 2013.
As of 3/27/12, Pacific University will join the WCC as it’s 10th member, leaving the Big West. The Big West is now set at 10 members with Hawaii and SDSU joining.
As of 12/07/11, the Big West will bring in SDSU as it’s next member as the schools football program heads to the Big East. The 11 school conference will likely remain at that number in the event that another high profile school becomes available. Should Air Force pass on the Big East, UNLV could be in the mix, and would need a non-football home such as the Big West.
As of 9/1/11, the Big West had expanded to 10 members and seemed content. UCSD applied for membership along with CSU-Bakersfield but both were denied membership. SJSU and Sac St are higher conference schools that if ever downgraded, could find a home here.
(Mountain West for Football)
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences other than a potential Mountain West all-sports invitation as a potential replacement for a Pac-12 or Big 12 departure.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
11/19/20: Hawaii is expected to join the MWC as a football only member.
Old 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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/17: After being rejected in 2010 and in April 2017, UCSD has been accepted by the Big West and announced plans toupgrade to Division 1 and join the Big West as it’s 10th member
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/27/17: Cal-State Bakersfield will join the Big West from the WAC
10/5/12: CSU Bakersfield and Utah Valley have been invited by the WAC for the 2013 season.
4/29/12: With all the WAC defections, it is likely that the school is targed by the WAC as a replacement for it’s future as a non-football conference
11/29/10: CSUB has applied to the Big West
7/9/08: School has turned down an invitation to Great West to focus on Big West membership.
Cal St. Bakersfield will upgrade to Division 1 officially in 2010 with expectations of joining the Big West. They will upgrade their schedule in 2007 to include all Division 1 opponents.
Big Sky (FCS Football only)
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/7/10: Will join the Big Sky as a football-only member
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”.
Big Sky (FCS Football only)
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 9/7/10: Will join the Big Sky as a football-only member
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Status as of 6/27/19: UConn has left the American Athletic Conference and rejoined the Big East.
As of 3/20/13, the Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season. As of 2/28/13, per reports, the 7 Catholic schools who are departing the Big East will do so and retain the Big East name. Xavier and Butler are expected to join with Creighton, St. Louis or Dayton expected to take the #10 spot.
As of 2/10/13, With the 7 non-football members of the Big East set to leave in 2014 or 2015, it seems appropriate to start a section devoted to this yet unamed conference. As has been located in the Big East section for over a decade, there had been speculation…almost an expectation that in time, the Big East could split into 2 conferences, whereby the non-football schools could add 2-4 members such as Xavier, Dayton, Richmond, Charlotte, St. Louis, etc. Now in 2013, it appears Xavier and Butler top the list as expected new members to join the conference with others such as St. Louis, Richmond, VCU, Creighton in line for any future #11 or #12 spots.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences. UConn was an all-sports member of the American, but opted to leave to return to the Big East and sponsor football as an independent. Between the general lack of football support, UConn is no longer considered a likely expansion candidate for conferences such as the ACC or Big Ten.
Previous News and Speculation:
6/27/19: UConn has left the American Athletic Conference and rejoined the Big East.
11/14/12: Uconn is a candidate to join the ACC as the #14 member.
Uconn is holding out hope that the ACC will send them a life raft. Uconn could be the ACC #16 school if Notre Dame opts to join as #15. If Notre Dame passes, Uconn will need to hope that the ACC finds enough appeal in Rutgers.
Longshot: is extended an invitation from the Big Ten.
Long shot: Has been rumored to be on the Big 12 radar
Butler
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season.
2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
5/1/12: Butler will join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season, replacing Temple
News: 3/25/12: school is in discussions to join the A10
History: Mentioned as a replacement should any A10 schools leave in the future. Could be considered for a new Midwest private conference with fellow Horizon and MVC schools should the NCAA allow new automatic bids from new conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season.
2/28/13: With the Catholic 7 set to split from the Big East and retain the Big East name, Xavier and Butler are expected to join as members #8 and #9. #10 is likely to be either Creighton, Dayton, St. Louis or Richmond.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History:
Would be the top option should the Big East split into 2 conferences.
Has club football.
Likely: remains in the A10
Possible: Should the Big East split up, could be brought in with the non-basketball schools.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/20/13: The Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season.
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History: The Omaha based catholic school had been mentioned as a candidate for a proposed new Midwest based basketball conference with such schools as DePaul, Marquette, Dayton, Xavier, St. Louis, Detroit and Butler. Now that Depaul and Marquette are poised to join the Big East, it would appear that there are few options for Creighton.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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 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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
CAA Expansion & Realignment
The CAA has expanded since 2021 with a large number of schools that solidifies the conference as primarily an FCS football conference. The newest additions include Monmouth, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, Stony Brook and Campbell. The CAA has previously been at risk of losing schools to FBS upgrades such as JMU, ODU and Georgia St., as well as seeing top basketball schools leaving for the A10 such as George Mason and VCU. The CAA is at less risk of departures now as only Delaware is a flight risk for FBS upgrade and few of the remaining basketball schools are A10 expansion targets.
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 5/22/13, the CAA will add Elon from the Southern Conference as it’s next member. Albany is rumored to be the next new addition despite claims from the university than no move is imminent.
As of 3/23/13, to replace the losses of Xavier and Butler, the A10 has added George Mason for July 1, 2013.
As of 1130/12,Charleston will join the CAA for the 2013 season As of 5/17/12, ODU and CUSA made it official: ODU will join CUSA in 2013.
On 5/14/12, the CAA lost yet another member, following Georgia St. as VCU will be joining the A10 in 2013. ODU is also expected to leave for CUSA.
As of 5/12/12, While Georgia St. is leaving, ODU still expected to leave, GMU has decided to remain in the CAA. It is unknown as of 5/11/12, if VCU will move to the A10 to be member #14.
As of 5/1/12, in addition to Georgia St. leaving, ODU is now expected to leave to join CUSA. VCU and George Mason remain likely to join the A10 for the 2013-2014 season. But it’s the departure of OCU that will derve as a wakeup call for Delaware and JMU, two FCS football powers. It would not be surprising to see Delaware, JMU and even Appalachian St. take a look at the MAC and arrange to upgrade as football-only members. All 3 schools could likely remain in their current conferences (CAA and SoCon) for non-football sports. But in order for this upgrade to happen, it would require 1) interest by the MAC in adding these 3 schools, and 2) interest by the schools to even upgrade.
As of 4/3/12, Georgia St. has been added as the next member of the Sun Belt. Appalachian St. will likely be be a top candidate, although a move to the CAA might not be high on their list. Stony Brook would be the next likely candidate as a travel partner for Hofstra and adding a replacement football program. For some of the other scenarios, read the April 2012 CAA Expansion Article.
As of 9/1/11, membership was stable with incoming programs to offset departing ones. Could always look to the north at Fordham or Stony Brook as football-only members to appease the remaining New England schools, UNH and Maine. Others such as Charlotte would like to join for football only but have not been invited.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
8/3/2022: Campbell will leave the Big South to join the CAA in 2023
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
2/22/2022: North Carolina A&T to join the CAA
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/25/22: Stonybrook will leave the America East for the CAA
9/1/12: Stony Brook will join the CAA as a football-only member
4/2/12: expected to be targeted by the CAA as a replacement for Georgia St.
Hampton
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation: 1/25/2020: Hampton to leave the Big South to join the CAA
NEWS: 11/15/17: Hampton will join the Big South for the 2018-2019 season
HISTORY: The Norfolk, VA MEAC school had applied to both the A10 and CAA in an attempt to maintain a FCS football home while benefiting its basketball program.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/2022: Monmouth to leave the MAAC to join the CAA
2/16/13: Monmouth will join the Big South for football
12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/22/13: The CAA will add Elon from the Southern Conference as it’s next member. Albany is rumored to be the next new addition despite claims from the university than no move is imminent.
History: Interest from the CAA. Joined in 2004 from Big South.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences. Should the basketball program show a rise, the school could be considered by the A10 as a travel partner for Davidson.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/30/12: Charleston will join the CAA for the 2013 season
10/19/12: Charleston voted 12-5 in favor of a move to the CAA. The school will now begin negotiations with the CAA.
Previously: Released a statement that they are content in the Southern Conference and not interested in the CAA when rumors circulated that they could be invited. This could still change, so dont’ be shocked to see CofC move to the CAA.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences. Should the school opt to upgrade to FBS, they would likely hope to join the Sunbelt or American, but only a CUSA invitation would be a lock.
Previous News and Speculation:
Stable but could upgrade to FBS in future
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Hofstra dropped football but remains a member of the CAA.
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
6/15/2020: Robert Morris to the Horizon
8/6/2019:Purdue Fort Wayne will leave the Summit League to join the Horizon in 2020.
6/28/2017: IUPUI Moves from Summit League to Horizon
As of 5/9/15, Northern Kentucky will leave the Atlantic Sun conference to join the Horizon League for the 2015-2016 season.
As of 5/7/13, Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League on 5/7/13.
As of 4/13/13, Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013.
As of 5/29/12, Butler will be leaving the Horizon League a year early, joining the A10 in July 2012. The A10 will be at 16 members for 2012 as a resul.
As of 5/12/12, Butler will be leaving to join the A10. The Horizon will liklely look to members from the Summit League for a replacement. IUPUI, located in Indianapolis would be a logical replacement for Butler. The conference might also consider Robert Morris, located in nearby Pittsburgh.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 6/15/2020: Robert Morris to the Horizon
Potential Horizon or MAAC candidate
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/1/06: The former Independent has been invited and accepted an invitation to join the Summit League.
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 6/28/2017: IUPUI Moves from Summit League to Horizon
HISTORY: The school is a potential candidate to join the Horizon as a replacement school.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/9/15: Northern Kentucky will leave the Atlantic Sun conference to join the Horizon League for the 2015-2016 season.
12/08/11: The Atlantic Sun has added NKU as it’s newest member.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/7/13: Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League
History: The school is a potential candidate to join the Horizon as a replacement school.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Had once considered FBS upgrade to the MAC.
Great West Expansion & Realignment
Status as of 6/1/13:
With everyone except N.J.I.T. gone from the Great West, the conference will close it’s doors as N.J.I.T. will become an independent. As of 11/29/12, Chicago St. will join the WAC for the 2013 season UTRGV (formerly UTPA) has been invited to the WAC, expecting approval by the Texas board this week. This effectively ends the Great West conference.
As of 10/5/12, The Great West will be losingUtah Valley to the WAC for the 2013 season.
As of 9/1/11, the conference likely won’t be around much longer. Texas Rio Grande Valley and Houston Baptist could join the Southland conference. Would only leave Chicago State, NJIT, and Utah Valley. Conference would then add independents Longwood and CSUB if still available. All schools would jump at any opportunity to leave.
Ivy League Expansion & Realignment
As stable as stable gets. Don’t ever expect to see a school leave. There have been rumors of expansion with regional Division 3 schools in the past, but nothing has every materialized.
Brown
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Columbia
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Cornell
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Dartmouth
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Harvard
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Pennsylvania
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Princeton
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
Yale
Classic league won’t be expanding any time soon, nor losing members.
MAAC Expansion & Realignment
12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.
On 9/1/11, the Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012. Should the MAAC look to replace Loyola, they might look at the NEC at private schools such as Robert Morris, Monmouth, Bryant, etc.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
The Albany school was being considered by the A10 as a replacement for St. Bonaventure. They will be evaluated again if any A10 schools leave.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
The Connecticut school was once considered for the A10
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Niagara
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Rider
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
North Carolina A&T has joined the CAA, and Howard had an invitation, but opted to remain in the MEAC.
Other member schools such as Delaware State have been looking at conferences such as the NEC and America East. One thought has been that the MEAC and SWAC shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss a full merger.
With the MEAC down to only 8 schools, they are at risk of losing their NCAA automatic playoff spot should they lose further members.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/16/2017: The Big South will add Hampton and USC Upstate for the 2018-2019 season
As of 4/17/2017, Savannah St. will downgrade athletics to Division II
As of 9/1/11, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) schools.
Currently at 11/13 members. Could look to add one full member that plays football.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Has expressed interest in joining the Northeast Conference for all sports, with football joining the Big South. Still considering other upgrade options.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
6/8/2022: Howard has rejected an invitation to join the CAA
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Newest MEAC member upon their upgrade to Division 1
MEAC Downgrades:
Savannah St.
4/17/2017: Savannah St. will downgrade athletics to Division II
3/10/10: Savannah St. accepts provisional membership in the MEAC
History:
FCS independent HBCU could look to join the MEAC or Big South.
Winston-Salem St.
News: WSSU will return to DII
7/8/04: announced they will upgrade to Division I and FCS football. Might look to join the Big South, MEAC or Southern Conference.
Missouri Valley Expansion & Realignment
Previous News and Speculation:
1/26/2022: Illinois Chicago to join the MVC
1/7/2022: Murray State to join the MVC
As of 4/13/2013, Loyola will join the Missouri Valley Conference, leaving the Horizon on July 1, 2013.
As of 3/20/13, the Big East has added Xavier, Butler and Creighton to expand from 7 to 10 for the upcoming season.
As of 9/1/11, the football conference stable. Chose not to add N. Dakota when S. Dakota was invited which would have given the conference all 4 Dakota schools. Could be because no 12th school materialized as likely candidate Nebraska-Omaha dropped football when they moved to D-I.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/7/22: Murray State to join the MVC
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/26/22: Illinois Chicago to join the MVC
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/28/2021: Belmont to join the Missouri Valley Conference
5/12/2011: OVC is set to expand by adding Belmont for the 2012-2013 season. Belmont has for years been on the OVC radar as the conference has a number of other Tennessee schools.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/25/2017: Valparaiso will join the Missouri Valley Conference
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.”
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Despite past basketball success and FBS upgrade consideration, the school never applied to the MAC.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Was once considering adding non-scholarship football.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences at this time. In the past, the Sunbelt was an option. But with the recent Sunbelt moves, an invitation is less likely. If the ASUN-WAC FBS move happens, the school could be considered.
Previous News and Speculation:
Was previously approached by Sunbelt but had no interest at the time in upgrading to FBS football.
Northeast Conference Expansion & Realignment
The NEC has served as a pipeline to the MAAC over the years. Replacements for the NEC will almost entirely need to come from Division 2 upgrades.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/9/2023: Le Moyne will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference
4/5/2022: Stonehill will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference
9/11/2018: Merrimack will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference in 2019
As of 12/12/2012, the MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth.
Le Moyne College
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/9/2023: Le Moyne will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference
Stonehill College
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
4/5/2022: Stonehill will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/11/2018: Merrimack will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference in 2019
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences other than the America East.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
Little interest but could be brought into the America East should they expand.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
The school is not considered an expansion candidate for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/12/12: The MAAC has expanded to 11 by adding Quinnipiac and Monmouth. Wagner was expected to join but backed out due to financial concerns.
Ohio Valley Conference Expansion & Realignment
The OVC was fortunate to be able to replace departing members with an Arkansas – Little Rock, but has had to turn to Division 2 upgrades for most replacements.
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/2022: UALR has joined the Ohio Valley Conference, as part of the Sunbelt restructure to an all-sports conference.
9/1/11: Rumored to be courting N. Alabama and N. Kentucky which would give them 10/14. Conference would split very nicely into north/south divisions if members wanted that.
3/18/2023: Western Illinois is leaving the Summit League (and MVFC for football) to join the OVC
Previous News and Speculation:
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference but could be an OVC target due to location, or a potential Horizon addition should the conference seek a replacement.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
2/9/2022: Southern Indiana has joined the Ohio Valley Conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
2/22/2022: Lindenwood has joined the Ohio Valley Conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/2022: UALR has joined the Ohio Valley Conference, as part of the Sunbelt restructure to an all-sports conference.
History: 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.
Tennessee St.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
HBCU school could consider joining the SWAC.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
So. Illinois – Edwardsville
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
6/9/2008:OVC is set to expand by adding SIUE once they upgrade to D1
History: Upgrading to Division 1. OVC and Summit League are likely destinations.
Patriot League Expansion & Realignment
Since expanding in 2012 with Loyola and Boston University, the Patriot has not expanded. Viewed primarily as an academic conference, the Patriot remains one of the most stable conferences in the NCAA.
Previous News and Speculation:
8/29/2012: The Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012.
On 6/15/12, The Patriot League has added Boston University for the 2013 season.
As of 9/1/11, the Patriot League was stable.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
8/29/12: The Patriot League has added Loyola as it’s 10th member, effective July 1, 2012.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
6/15/12: The Patriot League has added Boston University from the America East for the 2013 season.
History:
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.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference for all-sports membership. Army could join the American as a football-only member to join Navy.
Previous News and Speculation:
Only possible move would be to the Big East for FB only
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Member of the American for football
Southern Conference Expansion & Realignment
The Southern conference has remained stable since 2014. As this time, future CAA expansion remains the biggest threat to lose member schools.
Previous News and Speculation:
5/22/2013: Big South member VMI will leave to rejoin the Southern Conference. ETSU will also rejoin the conference with Mercer being the other school that will become the newest SoCon member.
3/25/13, Appalachian State & Georgia Southern to Join Sun Belt and Idaho and New Mexico St. will join as Football Only Members
10/19/12, Charleston voted 12-5 in favor of a move to the CAA. The school will now begin negotiations with the CAA.
As of 9/1/11, the SoCon was a very stable conference. Would likely only consider expansion if a member (Appalachian State) moved to FBS.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
5/22/13: Big South member VMI will leave to rejoin the Southern Conference. ETSU will also rejoin the conference, bringing back football, and join with Mercer being the other school that will become the newest SoCon member.
History: 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.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
5/22/13: Big South member VMI will leave to rejoin the Southern Conference. ETSU will also rejoin the conference with Mercer being the other school that will become the newest SoCon member.
History: little interest from other conferences. Planning to add non-scholarship footbal in 2013. Will apply for Pioneer membership.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
5/22/13: Big South member VMI will leave to rejoin the Southern Conference. ETSU will also rejoin the conference with Mercer being the other school that will become the newest SoCon member.
History: Little interest from other conferences, but with Southern Conference losses, VMI could become an option.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
9/10/2006: UTC has announced that they will remain in the SoCon
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 Has hinted that they might consider the OVC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
4/2/12: With Georgia St. leaving the CAA, the school could be on that conferences radar.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference other than for the CAA should they lose any members.
Previous News and Speculation:
Previous interest by the CAA.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Joined the OVC in 2003 from independent status. Now in the SoCon
Wofford
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Southland Expansion & Realignment
The Southland conference has been influx since 2021 as different schools consider their opportunities to include FBS upgrades. The result has been the departure of 3 members only to have one of them, Lamar return. The Southland should remain as they are, with other potential Division 2 upgrades. But should any more existing members consider upgrading to FBS, they will likely join CUSA or the proposed ASUN-WAC FBS conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
9/30/2021: Texas A&M – Commerce will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Southland
7/11/2021: Lamar had joined the WAC, but changed their mind and returned to the Southland
1/14/2021: Sam Houston, Lamar and SFA leaving the Southland to join the WAC
8/18/2012: The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word University, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well.
As of 11/21/11, The newest addition to the Southland is Houston Baptist. The school will add football, becoming the 9th football member of the conference and 11th overall.
As of 10/24/11, Oral Roberts has announced they would be leaving the Summit for the Southland Conference.
As of 9/30/11: Has lost a number of members to the WAC and could lose more in the future. Would need to look to D-II’s Lonestar or Gulf South conferences for replacements. Conference has publicly stated there is support for a 10th school.
As of 9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
9/30/2021: Texas A&M – Commerce will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Southland
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
8/18/12:The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
8/18/12:The Southland is set to expand by adding Incarnate Word University, Abilene Christian University and University of New Orleans. IWU and ACU are expected to join for FCS football as well.
3/8/12: UNO Has Opted to Rejoin Division 1
3/1/20/10: UNO announced they will leave the Sunbelt for D3
Overview: Tough economic times. Might be forced to make athletic department budget cuts. They already sponsor less sports than mandated by the Sunbelt and the NCAA and could be forced to downgrade to D2.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
7/11/2021: Lamar had joined the WAC, but changed their mind and returned to the Southland FCS football school has aspirations to upgrade to FBS. Possible: joins WAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Has a top quality FCS program and could upgrade to FBS if the school wanted to. Has not expressed any real interest thus far.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Brought back football last year and joined the Southland in 2005
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Joined the Southland in 2006.
Houston Christian
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
9/21/2022: Houston Baptist will re-brand as Houston Christian
11/17/11: HBU will join the Southland Conference, adding football at a later date and serving as the 11th all-sports member and 9th football school.
History:
Possible: will always be a Summit League option should they lose a school.
Longshot: joins the Southland as a replacement
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
SWAC Expansion & Realignment
Previous News and Speculation:
As of 9/1/2011: Both Division 1 HBCU conferences have struggled to compete in D-I. The SWAC had invited Tennessee State in the past.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/21: Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman join the SWAC
History: 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.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/21: Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman join the SWAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Summit League Expansion & Realignment
The Summit League has transformed into a stable regional conference of 10 members as of 2023. Future conference expansion will likely come from Division 2 upgrades. Western Illinois remains a flight risk, as the Ohio Valley Conference would provide 5 member schools closer in proximity than the closest current Summit rival.
As of 6/21/2019, UMKC has opted to return to the Summit League
As of 6/28/2017, IUPUI Moves from Summit League to Horizon
As of 1/26/2017, North Dakota Joins Summit for All-Sports and MVFC for Football
As of 12/7/2013, after announcing they were leaving for the Southland on 10/24/12, Oral Roberts will return to the Summit League.
As of 5/7/13, Oakland is expected to join the Horizon League.
As of 2/7/13, despite Denver leaving the WAC to join the Summit, UMKC will leave the Summit to join the WAC.
As of 11/24/12, Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC.
As of 10/24/12, Oral Roberts has announced they would be leaving the Summit for the Southland Conference
Status as of 9/30/11: Has reduced conference footprint greatly. Happy at 10 members but Oral Roberts could consider leaving for more regional Southland conference. In fact, as of 9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
7/1/2021: St Thomas will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Summit League
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
6/21/19: UMKC has opted to return to the Summit League
2/7/13: UMKC will leave the Summit to join the WAC
Notes: The Kansas City market could be enough to open the eyes of a few conferences such as Southland if they need replacements.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
12/7/13: After just moving to the Southland on 10/24/12, Oral Roberts will return to the Summit League.
10/24/11: Oral Roberts will be leaving the Summit League to move to the Southland Conference.
9/30/11, Oral Roberts and the Southland had had initial discussions regarding membership.
History:
Could move to the Southland to replace UTSA.
Denver left the WAC for the Summit League in 2012. The school had long hoped for a WCC invitation as a catholic school seeking a fit with like-minded schools. When BYU joined the WCC, there was some discussion of Denver being considered as an additional regional school. Seattle was also mentioned at that time to balance the membership at 12 schools. No invitation was extended to Denver and they instead slotted into the Summit. With the conference transforming into a closer regional blend and the economics of travel, a future invitation by the WCC…one that could no longer include Gonzaga…might not be as attractive as remaining in the Summit.
Previous News and Speculation:
News: 11/24/12: Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC.
Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football:
Denver has a few options as well. They can always join the Summit League. The could also ask the Big West to change their football requirement rules ans apply. And Denver always has the hope that thanks to the WCC addition of BYU, that the WCC would invite them as a travel partner for the Utah based school, becoming member #12.
11/4/10: Will join the WAC conferenceas a non-football member
History:
History: 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
The school is not considered a top expansion target by any other conference at this time. The school will keep a close eye on NDSU and SDSU as more FCS schools consider FBS upgrades. Of importance in 2023, is the growth of the ASUN-WAC FBS upgrade plan. In theory, the WAC could lock in the necessary FBS membership totals with the additions of 4 schools from the group of Montana (with Montana State likely connected), NDSU, North Dakota, SDSU and South Dakota.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/26/2017: North Dakota Joins Summit for All-Sports and MVFC for Football
11/6/10: With the Summit having conversations with Nebraska-Omaha about a future membership, the MVFC would likely have to be considered for UNO football. If the MWVC did expand to 12, UND might consider a move to the Summit and the MVFC
11/1/10: Has accepted an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference starting in 2012.
7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. 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.
Likely will get a Summit invite to join south Dakota once they finally resolve the school nickname issue.
Of importance in 2023, is the growth of the ASUN-WAC FBS upgrade plan. In theory, the WAC could lock in the necessary FBS membership totals with the additions of 4 schools from the group of Montana (with Montana State likely connected), NDSU, North Dakota, SDSU and South Dakota.
Should the Mountain West lose schools to the Pac-12 or Big 12, the conference might consider FBS upgrades such as Montana, Montana St., NDSU and SDSU.
Previous News and Speculation:
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
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.
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.
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.
Of importance in 2023, is the growth of the ASUN-WAC FBS upgrade plan. In theory, the WAC could lock in the necessary FBS membership totals with the additions of 4 schools from the group of Montana (with Montana State likely connected), NDSU, North Dakota, SDSU and South Dakota.
Should the Mountain West lose schools to the Pac-12 or Big 12, the conference might consider FBS upgrades such as Montana, Montana St., NDSU and SDSU.
Previous News and Speculation:
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
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.
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”.
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
The school is not considered a top expansion target by any other conference at this time. The school will keep a close eye on NDSU and SDSU as more FCS schools consider FBS upgrades. Of importance in 2023, is the growth of the ASUN-WAC FBS upgrade plan. In theory, the WAC could lock in the necessary FBS membership totals with the additions of 4 schools from the group of Montana (with Montana State likely connected), NDSU, North Dakota, SDSU and South Dakota.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
11/1/10: Will likely accept an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference once they finalize an exit strategy from the Summit League.
4/15/09: USD has accepted an invitation from the Summit League 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.
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.
Nebraska – Omaha
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
No conference has gone through as many changes as the WAC. The once FBS conference was the first super-conference with 16 all-sports members at one point. Then half the schools left to form the Mountain West. Others left for CUSA. The WAC was left on life support, having lost football and struggling just to find non-football members.
Through some interesting maneuvers, the conference was able to survive by adding Division 2 upgrades, some of which like Cal St. – Bakersfield have since left, and meet the membership numbers needed. In 2021, the WAC made a bold move by poaching schools from the FCS Southland. The plan was put in place to sponsor FCS football with enough members added to the pool of existing FCS playing schools.
With an alliance with the Atlantic Sun, the WAC was able to gain an autobid for the FCS playoffs. The next plan for the ASUN-WAC alliance is to upgrade to FBS. For this to happen, the alliance members would all upgrade to FBS. Should their be any issues with the alliance, the WAC always has the opportunity to reach out to the remaining FCS Southland schools, MVFC schools, or the Big Sky to seek additional FBS upgrade members.
Previous News and Speculation:
11/24/12, Denver will join the Summit League, leaving the WAC with Grand Canyon University joining as a replacement.
10/19/12, Idaho will join the Big Sky for the 2014 season for non-football sports. 10/5/12, the WAC has invited CSU- Bakersfield and Utah Valley to join as the 5th and 6th members for the 2013 season.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
1/20/2021: ACU will join the WAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
1/14/2021: Southern Utah will leave the Big Sky and join the WAC
11/1/10: Has accepted an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference starting in 2012.
11/15/04: The school was left out of Big Sky plans but will remain on their radar.
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”.
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.
The school is not considered an expansion target for any other conferences.
Previous News and Speculation:
1/21/22: UT-Arlington joins the WAC
4/30/12: Texas-Arlington will join the Sun Belt, along with WAC member Texas St., for the 2013 season
History:
Status with the WAC looking as if it will lose football: Texas-Arlington will always likely have a home back in the Southland if they want it. The fact that the Southland is flirting with schools like UTRGV (formerly UTPA) says much about their conference stability. Even more telling is that UTRGV (formerly 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.
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.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
1/14/2021: Sam Houston, Lamar and SFA leaving the Southland to join the WAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
5/16/2022: Dixie State will change their name to Utah Tech
1/10/2019: Dixie State will upgrade to Division I and join the WAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
9/30/19: Tarleton State will upgrade to Division 1 and join the WAC conference. Football is expected to participate as an FCS independent until the WAC sponsors football.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
1/13/2017: California Baptist will upgrade to Division I and join the WAC
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
10/5/12: CSU Bakersfield and Utah Valley have been invited by the WAC for the 2013 season.
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
7/9/2008: 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.
History: 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
Seattle University
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference, but has longed hoped to join the WCC since rejoining Division 1.
Previous News and Speculation:
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.
History: 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.
Possible: trying to join the WCC or WAC.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
11/25/12: GCU will join the WAC as a conditional member, upgrading from Division 2.
Update: 8/29/12 Considered a WAC option.
Upgraded from NAIA to D2 after considering upgrade and adding football
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
4/24/16: UTRGV is considering adding football as a sponsored sport.
12/13/13: The Univeristy of Texas Pan American (also listed as UTPA on this site) will change their name to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (listed as UTRGV on this site).
12/7/13: With Oral Roberts leaving the Southland for the Summit, UTRGV (formerly UTPA) is the likely candidate to replace them.
11/29/12: UTRGV (formerly UTPA) has been invited to the WAC, expecting approval by the Texas board this week.
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
7/9/08: The school might have aspirations for other conferences, but will participate in the Great West conference for all-sports. 6/15/08: There have been recent discussions about UTRGV (formerly 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. History: Possible: joins the Southland as a replacement
WCC Expansion & Realignment
The WCC has not expanded since adding Pacific from the Big West in 2012 and BYU in 2010. Schools like Seattle and Denver have all longed for WCC membership, but the conference has opted to remain with their current membership. With BYU leaving the WCC for the Big 12, the WCC might seek to expand. But as the conference did not give strong consideration to Seattle or Denver prior to BYU joining, there is no assurance that the conference will seek a replacement.
Gonzaga has actively blocked adding Seattle as the Spokane-based school considers the Seattle market their territory due to the Gonzaga alumni base there. A larger issue for the WCC in 2023 is the exploration by Gonzaga in leaving the WCC. Gonzaga seems to have many options to consider, should they want to maximize their leverage during the Mark Few regime.
Gonzaga has been actively considered by the Big 12, and at least internal conversations have occurred inside the Pac-12 and Big East at extending invitations. Due to the geographical location of Gonzaga, if they were to consider the Big East and there was mutual interest, one long-shot option would be for the Big East and some or all WCC members to merge to form a national catholic conference.
Previous News and Speculation:
3/27/2012: Pacific University will join the WCC as it’s 10th member.
9/1/2010: BYU has joined the WCC for non-football sports
As of 9/1/2011, the WCC was a stable at 9 members. Seattle University would jump at membership but conference is not interested. BYU will be a question mark until the Big 12 is actually at 12 members.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
3/27/12: Pacific will join the WCC from the Big West as it’s 10th member History: Could be a WCC option should they seek another southern member
Gonzaga is currently in a position to consider leaving the WCC. As non-football schools like Wichita State have done, Gonzaga is being discussed by FBS conferences the Big 12 and Pac-12 for membership. If the Big East sees media rights benefits in adding Gonzaga, the conference might consider Gonzaga as well.
Previous News and Speculation:
12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.Stable within the WCC, but as a California school, could seek Big West membership if it were ever an improvement.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included.
History: Santa Clara has a football movement.
Despite on-court success during the Randy Bennet years, the school is not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
Should a national “Catholic” conference ever be considered with a merger of Big East and WCC schools, the school would hope to be included. 12/12/12: with the Big East considering a split, the school has been mentioned as a potential candidate with the current 7 Big East non-football schools.
History: Dropped football in 2004
Independent Expansion & Realignment
Chicago St
Not considered an expansion target by any other conference
Previous News and Speculation:
12/4/12: Chicago St. will join the WAC for the 2013 season
Possible: will always be a Summit League option should they lose a school.
7/9/08: School might accept Great West invitation
Division 2 & NAIA Upgrades Expansion
Rumored candidates for upgrade
- Lincoln Memorial (Division 2):
considering upgrade - West Florida (Division 2):
considering upgrade - Francis Marion (Division 2):
considering upgrade - W. Washington (Division 2):
considering upgrade - West Texas A&M (Division 2):
considering upgrade - 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 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):
considering upgrade - West Georgia (Division 2):
– Considering upgrade to Division 1 and likely head to the Atlantic Sun.
– 3/1/2023: There is mutual interest in University of West Georgia potentially joining the OVC - Central Oklahoma (Division 2):
Considering upgrade to Division 1. - Indiana University – PA (Division 2):
While no timetable has been set, IUP is preparing for a jump to Division 1 and FCS football. - Oklahoma City University (NAIA):
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):
– Considering upgrade to Division 1
– The OVC wants to eventually expand beyond ten institutions, and initially targeted other institutions in the Midwest, like Grand Valley State, and the University of Indianapolis - Le Moyne College (Division 2):
Updates:- 5/9/2023: Le Moyne will upgrade to Division 1 and join the Northeast Conference
- 2/19/10: committee recommends remaining in D2 despite looking to upgrade to DI. (America East could be their new home.)
- Harding (Division 2):
Considering upgrade to Division 1 - Hartford (Division 3):
History: In 2022, Hartford opted to downgrade from Division 1 to Division 3 - University of Indianapolis:
The OVC wants to eventually expand beyond ten institutions, and initially targeted other institutions in the Midwest, like Grand Valley State, and the University of Indianapolis
ASUN-WAC FCS FOOTBALL Alliance
Expansion & Realignment
10/14/2022: The Atlantic Sun and the WAC have formed a scheduling alliance, essentially merging the FCS schools for the football season.
2023 Members:
- Austin Peay
- Central Arkansas
- Eastern Kentucky
- North Alabama
- Abilene Christian
- Southern Utah
- Stephen F. Austin
- Tarleton State
- Utah Tech
Big South-OVC FCS FOOTBALL Alliance
Expansion & Realignment
2023 Members:
- Bryant (America East)
- Charleston Southern (Big South)
- Gardner-Webb (Big South)
- Robert Morris (Horizon)
- Eastern Illinois (OVC)
- Lindenwood (OVC)
- Southeast Missouri (OVC)
- Tennessee State (OVC)
- Tennessee Tech (OVC)
- UT Martin (OVC)
- Western Illinois (OVC)
CAA FOOTBALL Expansion & Realignment
8/8/12: Albany and Stony Brook will be joining the CAA as football-only members.History: ODU and Georgia St. were the newest members of the conference, replacing Hofstra and Northeastern.Villanova is of 11/16/10 still an option to upgrade to FBS and join the Big East. History: A number of CAA schools are on the radar as potential FBS options: JMU, Delaware, GA State, ODU and UMass.URI will likely join the NEC in 2012, leaving the CAA 2023 Members:
- Campbell (CAA)
- Hampton (CAA)
- North Carolina A&T (CAA)
- Monmouth (CAA)
- Delaware (CAA)
- Towson (CAA)
- William & Mary (CAA)
- Elon (CAA)
- Stony Brook (CAA)
- New Hampshire (America East)
- Maine (America East)
- Albany (America East)
- Richmond (A10)
- Rhode Island (A10)
- Villanova (Big East)
FCS Football independents Realignment
Missouri Valley Football Conference Expansion & Realignment
4/26/17: North Dakota Leaves Big Sky for Summit/MVFC
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.
11/18/07: The Gateway is discussing a name change to Missouri Valley Conference.
2023 Members:
- South Dakota State (Summit)
- North Dakota State (Summit)
- North Dakota (Summit)
- Youngstown State (Horizon)
- Northern Iowa (MVC)
- Southern Illinois (MVC)
- Illinois State (MVC)
- Missouri State (MVC)
- South Dakota (Summit)
- Indiana State (MVC)
- Murray State (MVC)
Northeast Expansion & Realignment
News:
URI was supposed to join in 2013 and leave the CAA, but opted to remain in the CAA.
The NEC football conference became even more stable with the addition of Duquesne.
2023 Members:
- St. Francis (PA) (NEC)
- Merrimack (NEC)
- Long Island (NEC)
- Duquesne (A10)
- Sacred Heart (NEC)
- Central Connecticut (NEC)
- Stonehill (NEC)
- Wagner (NEC)
Patriot League Expansion & Realignment
History: 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.
2023 Members:
- Holy Cross (Patriot)
- Fordham (A10)
- Lafayette (Patriot)
- Colgate (Patriot)
- Bucknell (Patriot)
- Lehigh (Patriot)
- Georgetown (Big East)
Pioneer League Expansion & Realignment
The Pioneer League serves as a collection of non-scholarship football programs for schools participating at the Diviison 1 level.
NEWS: 11/19/17: Presbyterian College will downgrade it’s football to non-scholarship and join the Pioneer League in 2021
Past News: Marist will participate as an independent in 2008 and join the Pioneer in 2009.
2023 Members:
- St. Thomas (Summit)
- Davidson (A10)
- Dayton (A10)
- Butler (Big East)
- San Diego (WCC)
- Valparaiso (Horizon)
- Marist (MAAC)
- Drake (MVC)
- Stetson (Atlantic Sun)
- Morehead State (OVC)
- Presbyterian (Big South)
Folded FCS Football Conferences:
BIG SOUTH Football Expansion & Realignment
NEWS:
12/13/2022: The Big South will no longer sponsor FCS football. Instead, the Big South and OVC will have an alliance starting in 2023.
11/15/17: Hampton will join the Big South for the 2018-2019 season
11/14/2016: Campbell will move from the Pioneer to the Big South for football
9/4/2013: Kennesaw St. to Join Big South for Football
HISTORY:
With the addition of Stony Brook, the Big South had 7 football members and hoping for any automatic bid by 2010.
With Stonybrook leaving for the CAA, Monmouth will take their place.
Final Big South Members (2022):
- Gardner-Webb (Big South)
- North Carolina A&T (MEAC)
- Campbell (Big South)
- Bryant Bulldogs (America East)
- Charleston Southern (Big South)
- Robert Morris (Horizon) Previous Members include:
- Hampton (Big South)
- Charleston Southern (Big South)
- Campbell (Big South)
- Gardner-Webb (Big South)
- Kennesaw St. (Atlantic Sun)
- VMI (Big South)
- Presbyterian College (Big South)
- Monmouth University (MAAC)
- North Alabama (Atlantic Sun)
Great West Football Conference
UPDATE: 11/1/10:
With SUU and UND headed to the Big Sky and USD to the MVFC, the Great West Football Conference will cease operations. UPDATE: 9/8/10: UC Davis and Cal Poly have left the Great West to join the Big Skyas affiliate football members. This move might open the door for Sacramento St. to join the Big West for non-football sports and Southern Utah to join the Big Sky for all sports.
The Great West started with a bang, a collection of 7 FCS independents looking to unite in the chase for an automatic birth. Within minutes, St. Mary’s drops football leaving the league at 6 members. Then Northern Colorado left for the Big Sky. Now the Dakota schools have left for the Gateway. One option floated around in 2005 was a Big South / Great West football partnership, where they would combine for football and an automatic playoff berth. But now with the Big South at 6 teams, that is not an option.
Final Members:
Cal Poly (Big Sky) Southern Utah (Big Sky) UC Davis (Big Sky) North Dakota (Big Sky) South Dakota (MVFC)
MAAC Football Conference
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.
11/20/08: Iona has dropped football
11/18/07: LaSalle has announced they will officially drop football.