The Sun Belt Conference is making a notable move by inviting Louisiana Tech to join its ranks, stepping in to fill the void left by Texas State’s upcoming transition to the redesigned Pac-12. This is a pivotal moment for the Sun Belt, which is set to maintain its competitive edge with the addition of the Ruston-based institution.
A source close to the situation revealed that the league’s presidents voted to bring Louisiana Tech into the fold during a recent meeting, although the specific timeline for their entry remains under wraps. It’s worth noting that the transition involves an exit fee exceeding $5 million for Louisiana Tech, a financial commitment bolstered by a signed grant of rights tied to Conference USA’s latest broadcasting deal.
Louisiana Tech has been a member of Conference USA since 2013, and joining the Sun Belt will enhance the league’s footprint in Louisiana as they will now boast three full member institutions from the state—including Louisiana in Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe. This strategic expansion not only strengthens regional rivalries but also solidifies the Sun Belt’s position as a prominent player among mid-major conferences.
Discussions about this move started circulating even before Texas State’s decision became official. Notably, ULM athletic director John Hartwell has been a vocal proponent of inviting Louisiana Tech, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the institution and the Sun Belt.
Texas State made headlines on July 1 with its announcement to join the Pac-12 as the conference undergoes a major reshaping, welcoming schools like Boise State and Gonzaga—who, interestingly, doesn’t field a football program—alongside holdovers Oregon State and Washington State. This reconfiguration is part of a larger trend, as NCAA and College Football Playoff regulations necessitate a minimum of eight members for a conference to secure automatic entry into championship events.
As the Pac-12 pivots to a new model featuring only two teams, Oregon State and Washington State, the ripple effects continue to reverberate through the college sports landscape, impacting institutions further down the hierarchy, like Conference USA. The ongoing realignment saga traces back to significant shifts in 2021, initiated by Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC, which has had a cascading effect on conference memberships across the board.
In response to these shifts, Conference USA has been actively restructuring, recently welcoming Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, and Sam Houston State, along with Delaware and Missouri State, as they transition from FCS to FBS. This influx is crucial, especially as Louisiana Tech’s departure brings the total number of committed full members in Conference USA down to ten beyond 2025, leaving Liberty, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, and FIU among those remaining.
Additionally, UTEP has announced its impending move to the Mountain West following the conclusion of the upcoming school year, further highlighting the evolving landscape of college athletics. The Sun Belt’s addition of Louisiana Tech marks not just a simple membership change; it’s a reflection of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of college sports today, with schools adjusting to ensure both competitive integrity and financial viability amidst constant change.
