What can CUSA tell us about the future of Conference Realignment? CUSA part 2

Of all the division 1 FBS conferences to be affected by the bombshell realignment moves in NCAA sports, Conference USA might be the one who took the hardest hit. From 14 solid members to five and now to nine or ten, CUSA has done all it can to keep itself and its members afloat as a conference. But that hasn't stopped speculation on where they could go from here.
As the conference with the most likely chance at expanding right now, CUSA has garnered eyes on its future moves, specifically pertaining to FCS programs it could pluck to further bolster its roster of teams. But the need for a G5 conference, especially one like CUSA, to even get to 12 members doesn't feel as strong as it once did. If it does, though, the probable additions are all over the place. With realignment and growing conference size becoming the norm for NCAA conferences, can we learn something from CUSA's potential next steps that might inform us on what the norm might be in the future?
As a speculatory video, the purpose of this essay isn't so much to "inform" as much as it is to spurn discussion. The kickback goes to you, as the viewer---what do you think they should do? What response is necessary, if any? Is simply staying afloat at the FBS level reason enough to celebrate, given the fates seen by other G5 conferences in the past, like the WAC?

[@lukeontheplains]

That's one down! Welcome to the CUSA, Delaware!

[@gijakob]

I just saw that and came to comment. You predicted the future 🫡

[@matt_trees7734]

Lmao I came to this video after the news. I’m a big fan of La Tech 😂

[@ChachGames]

UTEP fan here, you did amazing work with this video here 🙌🏽

[@anncase8673]

At long last we have a team from the first state in the FBS

[@gijakob]

And they just got Missouri State, double prediction!

[@ThePoliticalAv]

I'd love to see a video on The American, they seem to me like the primary "Minor League" to the P5 Conferences, filled with schools with P5 dreams, and probably the most prestigious non P5 conference (that's FBS) maybe tied with the Mountain West. They've also had a crazy revolving door recently.

[@Logan_Zimmerman]

The American is basically the CUSA of the 2000s

[@Commodore22345]

@@nashmonti120 "Honestly with the 6 new schools I’d put them below the mountain west." Exactly. The modern American conference is pretty much just the old C-USA in all but name.

[@yader91]

​@@Commodore22345good point. Of the 13 full members plus 2 football only members, only Temple, Wichita State, and Navy were never part of CUSA.

[@mrclean30]

now that smu is gone the only somewhat relevant members they have are memphis wichita and usf

[@bravegenesis2595]

I’d murder for you to do a Video on the Gulf South Conference of Division II, many former members are FBS now and the conference is currently floundering football wise worse than even the CUSA

[@20Bravesfan]

Go Argos my man!

[@Imkohlton]

my favorite thing about this channel is the uncanny ability to make the videos almost irrelavent within a month after they go live. absolutely beautiful content.

[@lukeontheplains]

It's a curse.

[@jacobmartinez9339]

I think an underrated choice is Chattanooga. It's a wealthy, fast-growing area and the school has a 21k capacity stadium, is competitive on the field, has a high budget, and is in just about the best geographical spot possible for the C-USA. With Delaware added, it's likely the C-USA will want to round out to 12 schools, so it'll b interesting to see who's next

[@kennedyhcarr]

DBU moving up to FBS would be very difficult. They don’t have a football team!

[@Jarbutt]

I think UTA Mavericks should move up then.

[@rangersking6699]

I’ll add on SFA: they just recently joined the UT system and are getting a huge injection of cash by their standards because they are now granted access to PUF oil money. It’s still going to take time for them to catch up athletically to SHSU, but they finally should have the resources to make that happen.

[@abelreyna8781]

I think it'd be a huge mistake for SFA to follow Sam Houston to FBS at this time or in the near future. Sam Houston was not ready for the FBS and it's showing on the field and in the stands.

[@rangersking6699]

@@abelreyna8781 coastal wasn’t ready when they came in either but look where they are now. At some point in the next ten years I could see it for sfa.

[@abelreyna8781]

@@rangersking6699 I don't know what Coastal's situation was, but I hope you are right. As a Sam Houston alum, I hope things improve for Sam Houston and SFA can make the jump. It's just painful to watch the team at this time lol

[@dylanjwagner]

@@abelreyna8781when is the last time an FCS team moved up and was a contender right away? Hell, a contender within 5 years? It takes time, and it’s going to be a struggle for a while. I remember when WKU joined and got stomped weekly. SFA at least has a football pipeline as their base of operations. They’ll be on par with Sam Houston upon entry.

[@rangersking6699]

@@dylanjwagner James Madison lmao(before that probably App State at the sun belt level anyway. Honorable mention this year to Jacksonville state but the main reason they’re winning is because CUSA stinks). Also, SFA had financial problems SHSU did not have which resulted in them falling behind. But now that gap has been abated thanks to joining UT system.

[@gracielynn9623]

I feel like the four Dakota schools plus the two Montana schools would be a better fit in the mountain west? We can certainly say that the mountain west is a lot higher quality and that joining CUSA I think would drag all six of the schools down to a lower level. I think personally in FCS all six of these play at a higher level than CUSA does currently.

[@michaeljohnson7493]

If I had to guess, I'd say the reason those six schools haven't gotten any attention from the Mountain West is market size. Most of the Mountain West's teams are in decent-sized cities or near one, aside from Wyoming. New Mexico State and Idaho just sat there after they departed the Sun Belt, firmly in the geographical area, but got no interest from the Mountain West. The AAC is similar; most of their teams are in cities and the six teams they took from C-USA were all in metros, too. The smaller fanbase and travel distance would mean very few fans would follow the six aforementioned schools on a long road trip or to bowl games, and most critically, there would be fewer TV viewers and thus less money for the networks. Those schools would have to do what the WAC/ASUN schools want to do: form a conference and move up all at once. It's a viable option; the Sun Belt and C-USA schools are mostly in small college towns, not particularly close to big markets, and they do okay. In fact, one could make an argument that the Sun Belt is the most competitive G5 conference this year on the field, but their collective fan base can't be anywhere near as big as those of the AAC and Mountain West. The new conference with those six schools would be dynamite and would regularly knock off power conference schools, but they'd need more than six teams. Get Idaho, Idaho State, Weber State, and maybe even Northern Iowa to come along and make 10 teams, and it would be possible. As an aside in an already lengthy post, Northern Colorado plays in a small stadium and are a bad team, but a part of me just wants to see how the Tar Heels react to another school called UNC joining the FBS. My sister, a Carolina graduate, doesn't even like that South Carolina puts "Carolina" on their uniforms. In fairness, South Carolina can't be USC either; that's taken!

[@CharlesFosterMalloy]

​​@@michaeljohnson7493 SoCar can be USC, but USC cannot be SoCar... And OSU is OkSt, not Oregon St or Ohio St...

[@drhouse6165]

MW is higher quality than CUSA but "dragging down" by moving up a league doesn't make sense.

[@sadmarinersfan8935]

I feel like all the Dakota schools should join the pac to keep it going but the problem is money even tho they are more then good enough to play in the fbs

[@welcometomychannelswelcome7261]

You were right about Delaware . cusa need to create three parts of the conference south mid and north total 21 teams. A lot of fcs teams want to move up to join FBs' conferences

[@BaseballisEverything]

Another masterpiece of a video!

[@gijakob]

Seeing HBCU’s in C-USA would be really cool. I think, as long as the financials are feasible, schools like Southern and FAMU would be great additions to FBS

[@ninjadanny628]

My picks for the CUSA expansion should be Tarleton, Missouri State, SFA, Delaware, & Villanova (FB Only). Im sure they would also be happy to add UCONN & UMASS as FB only members but its unlikely. I think all 4 of the Dakota schools would like to join the Mountain West or the MAC. But that is my opinion on how it can look like.

[@Nohandleentered]

One forgotten scenario, the C-USA back poaching the Sun Belt. I don’t take it as a given that the SB is in a significantly better position. Their media deal runs through ‘31, but I couldn’t find anything that said they have a grant of rights or what the exit fee would be. If CUSA doesn’t have pressure to expand quickly or soon they can spend the next few years playing quality football, increasing their profile, and getting a better tv deal themselves. If Liberty finishes the season unbeaten and has this kind of 10 win run for a few years then that lifts the whole conference. If they find a second team to rise up in that time they could easily raise their profile.

[@j.thompson9345]

The SBC is significantly better, though. 😂. Why would 3 members leave CUSA, and JMU choose the SBC over CUSA if the SBC wasn't better? Their members are paid more, have a better media deal and they save more money from travel cost. Win-Win if you ask me. Lastly, in your statement you mentioned Liberty essentially carrying the conference for the next few years. That's one brand in the weakest FBS conference. That want work. Meanwhile, the SBC has several brands to carry the conference in arguably the best G5 conference. 😅

[@Lufsixq]

Yeah thats not happening, especially with Jeep Judy running the zombie CUSA conference. You know how many times she visited Huntington while we were there, 0 that's how many. She didn't even come to Huntington when Marshall done something no other team had done under the CUSA banner and that is win a National Title. If I was the commish of a conference and one of my schools won a national title your damn tooting Id be on the phone the next min planning to arrive there before the team got back. I would make sure to try and be there when they got back on campus to congratulate them. She nor her staff done none of that.

[@bri-manhunter2654]

Absolutely, Liberty going to big Bowl games bro G’s money to the whole conference!

[@lukeontheplains]

12:14 *its Let me know about the graphics on this one-too bright? Hard to look at? Should have gone blackboard the whole time?

[@brucedillon8358]

I like it

[@dentonorr82]

I really like the black board!

[@NicAngerstein]

I love it

[@biohazardbucket]

really like the graphics. one thing though, i noticed some logos seemed more faded than usual. Missouri State is way more maroon than that i think. When you put MSU's logo next to Delaware and Tarleton, the other two look so much more vibrant than MSU's

[@P4RKEST]

I recognize some PowerPoint graphic effects when I see them (coming from a fellow appreciator of PowerPoint editing lol) I think it fits well with the style of a 'theorizing' video!

[@adamjacquez9495]

Perhaps the best strategy for CUSA is to get the most out of their teams now and see how things change. Poor leadership allowed the sun belt and AAC to pass them by. But if Liberty makes the 12 team playoff a few times the perception can change quickly. Then it may be possible to entice current FBS teams to join CUSA.

[@bri-manhunter2654]

It’s a shame that the Sunbelt and AAC did not accept Liberty; a JMU & Liberty rivalry is a big missed opportunity.

[@Lep2005]

Even if the xDSUs didn’t have to dramatically increase travel costs, add a ton more scholarships or another team entirely, and pay a 5 million dollar move up fee, they would still be essentially slashing their athletic budgets in half because of the CUSA media deal. They both make about 2 million a year with their local deals, and the CUSA only makes 750 thousand. Thats the main reason why they aren’t even picking up the phone for the CUSA

[@rangersking6699]

From a financial perspective and from a map perspective, I think William and Mary would be an excellent rival and travel partner for Delaware if they were to join CUSA. They also have been pretty strong competitors.

[@ericthomas917]

William might be down with it but what about Mary?

[@benrotko6411]

W&M and Delaware would not want to be associated with C-USA I think.

[@rangersking6699]

@@ericthomas917 ha

[@rangersking6699]

@@benrotko6411 it’s probably their only path to fbs, so..

[@jacksonperry8283]

W&M would have to do major stadium renovation, but it would be a great addition to the conference!

[@wotintarnation8388]

C-USA and Delaware have been talking about the Blue Hens being added starting in 2025... You made a good call.

[@rangersking6699]

Question is, who will come with them?

[@stats.and.stories]

Here in May of 2024 and Dalukes was spot on 👏👏👏👏

[@ColeAdams]

Babe wake up new Dalukes video dropped

[@low_roll9840]

Spot on with the Delaware projection! Hopefully Missouri State will be number 12, and then life in CUSA can get back to normal.

[@rangersking6699]

Yeah I’d say if Delaware got flipped then Missouri state should get flipped too

[@jacksonperry8283]

I’d be happy to be back to regular conference play and hopefully no more G5 shuffling in realignment.

[@kev1565]

over the course of a week, you have become a must-watch channel for me. Keep up the Great Work!

[@MetalGod999]

Very insightful and well-composed video, Lucas. You’ve done an excellent job of doing your homework when it comes to college sports conferences, and I’m looking forward to seeing more from you in the future. Keep up the great work! 👍👍

[@dylanjwagner]

The PAC12 two divisions of ten teams is such a dumb proposal. The conference is in full spaghetti method hoping to survive.

[@Qwernst]

I would like to see the C-USA try to get back some of the members that left someday (East Carolina, Southern Miss, Tulsa being some examples) but grabbing FCS programs is the best option for them at the moment. Chattanooga, Eastern Kentucky, Furman, Missouri State, North Carolina A&T, and Tarleton State being promoted make the most sense. If Central Arkansas gets more seats, maybe they can join the conversation too.

[@jacobguy3343]

I feel like the best move for C USA Would be Youngstown, Delaware , and Missouri state and so other 4th team it seems like that would flesh out the conference. One thing I would be curious about is northwestern state I don't no their budget but that could be a bridge into Louisiana

[@Lufsixq]

Youngstown State would fail the same hurdle they failed at in 1997. In 1997 Buffalo, NIU, Marshall and Youngstown State applied for MAC membership. The 1st 3 were accepted and YSU was denied even though being a power. Why, two reasons, 1)They weren't Title IX compliant (And weren't until 2002 when the NCAA started handing fines out to those who would try and skirt around Title IX, there was like 120-130 schools across all divisions doing this so YSU wasn't alone). And 2)They had an athletic budget of 10.4 million dollars when at the time MAC schools had 21-24 million dollar budgets. Now 26 years later YSUs athletic budget hasn't even doubled, it stands at 17.6 million dollars.

[@drhouse6165]

You said they would fail the same hurdle and then explained how they are both title IX compliant and have increased revenue (though you arbitrarily state it isn't enough). Your explanation doesn't match the claim.

[@emac7050]

If the number of sports and money for a buy-in to the FBS wasn’t raised drastically, UT Chattanooga would be a solid addition. They have beach volleyball, rumors of moving their football stadium back on campus, adding field hockey, underrated venue for basketball that also hosts top notch wrestling tournaments. They would have a new rivalry with MTSU that many students from in-state would latch onto in a heart beat, and a rivalry with Jacksonville State due to recent past football game history It’s a shame that their fanbase support is marred by being regionally surrounded by UT Vol, Alabama and Georgia fan bases. The move from their, outdated but at one point the second oldest college football stadium on campus, to downtown huge stadium that hosted FCS championships for a decade killed a lot of alumni support and tradition. Nobody on campus goes to a game now because their friends got into FBS schools and would rather spend the weekend at those SEC and ACC environments and matchups. Also oddly enough, UTC doesn’t have a baseball program which is due to title ix forcing a cut and they decision that their wrestling program was more traditionally dominant and still are relevant.

[@gracielynn9623]

Last I heard Delaware, if they were to move up to FBS at all, will be joining the Sun Belt. I believe you even said it yourself in your Sun Belt video but I’m pretty sure I’ve also seen reports of that being at least somewhat truthful online. It does not appear that they have any interest in CUSA.

[@RULERofCERTAINthings]

They will not be going to the Sunbelt

[@Agzilla1999]

This is excellent! Great work and insight. I'd love to see NMSU and UTEP join the Mountain West and Conference USA maybe merge with another conference or pick up some of the schools you mentioned here. I love all the speculation as it's exciting to think of what's possible. Sad though that money runs (openly now) every facet of this, but I guess it always has. I subscribed.

[@terranceramirez4816]

The MWC isn’t picking up the Aggies and Miners unless it gets raided to hell and gone

[@Agzilla1999]

@@terranceramirez4816 all very true statements. But if ever there was a time this could happen it would be in a time like this when all DIV-1 FBS conferences are in flux. In a wild scenario PAC 2 could rebuild with top MW and AAC schools forcing those conferences to rebuild themselves for stability.

[@ReisterJP]

It is more likely New Mexico gets demoted to CUSA with El Paso and NM state.

[@NeverwascooL]

Its really funny too cause you would think with names like Conference USA they would be the most wide spread and national conference out there by geography but they really are just a Jr. SEC geographically speaking.

[@HeavenhoundGiuseppe]

We have these three huge sprawling conferences covering exactly the same area, AAC, C-USA, and SBC. Wouldn't it make sense for them to create an alliance, and realign into three regional conferences? The American takes the Texas schools, Memphis, Tulane, Tulsa, and NMSU. The Sun Belt takes the southeast. The C-USA takes everyone north of ECU and in that case Army, UConn, and UMass wouldn't object to being football only in a more regional conference.

[@sethholland8290]

The AAC, the SunBelt, and C-USA are all different conferences. The SunBelt did consider a nerger with C-USA once, but that fell tgrough, mainly because the majoriry of legacy teams in C-USA (MTSU, LaTech, WKU) want in the AAC, but they could be softening their stance now. However, the SunBelt can afford to be picky now, and doesn't want them. FIU could care a leas where they wind up, IMO.

[@stephenstaedtler6902]

You nailed it on Delaware. I think either Missouri State or Tarleton State will be #12.

[@TheBML2]

I know that Abilene Christian really wants to be an FBS. They have one of the smaller stadiums in the UAC but are one of the better teams in that conference.

[@erikworthen1164]

One note on Tarleton State is that they are creating the only D1 wrestling team in the state of Texas.

[@BrownieCFB]

Conference USA said they want to go past 10, I wish they would grab North Dakota State and South Dakota State. But they are geographical outliers, which matters more for small schools/conferences. The Sun Belt was interested in Missouri State, and Missouri State’s AD said they want to move to FBS. Delaware seems like they would be a good addition too. I don’t see any other HBCU’s moving up besides Florida A&M.

[@BrownieCFB]

Sorry if you covered this stuff in the video, I made the comment first.

[@brucedillon8358]

MISU and UD would be perfect additions to get to 12

[@Optagonapus]

Valparaiso as a “basketball power” is a vast overstatement. The MVC has had good basketball recently, Valpo is just hitching a ride on that train

[@seanpierce2943]

I think Eastern Kentucky and McNeese are ones to watch over the next year or so as possible choices for CUSA.

[@johnpannebaker5757]

What this video taught me: My kids can bowl their way to a college scholarship. Also, MAC has a chance to be the next major mover and shaker if they have the vision for it. Think big and go for 20. Missouri State, WKU, MTSU, UNI, Youngstown, NDSU, SDSU, and St Thomas (MN), fully expecting some of them to eventually get poached by CUSA or Sunbelt at some point. That also gets the MAC into MO, ND, SD, IA, MN KY and TN, which would help them get a bigger TV deal.

[@manzac112]

Who's here after Missouri State joined the conference?

[@Spirilyy]

I've wanted the best of those Midwest teams (Idaho, NDSU, North Dakota, South Dakota state, Montana, Sacramento State and whoever else is good) to make a football midmajor. The West, in general, feels kind of lacking in football because the Midwest never has a power, and the pac12 is gone soon.

[@robserrano8971]

All those schools can go to the MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE. So they can move up to FBS and also replenish the lost of MWC. UTEP, NMSU, UTAH TECH & SOUTHERN UTAH can also join MWC. MWC can keep San Jose State, Wyoming, Air Force, Utah State, New Mexico, The NEW PAC-12 can rebuild with the remaining teams to be part of the NEW PAC 12

[@Lawomenshoops]

Tarleton- they will finish their four reclassifications process on June 30th! They had a four year process because they moved from D2 to FCS. The two year process is for any FCS school moving up or a full D1 school that added football!-UTRGV for example.

[@evincasey6656]

What about a video on the Dakota schools of a possible FBS move up and their future... Or looking at the NAIA in the Dakotas and all about that and their geographical issues with the North Star. Good stuff though!

[@stephenstaedtler6902]

Missouri State and Tarleton State seem like the likely choice to get 6 teams out west. Already have 6 eastern teams. Of course, Delaware would be a great add but unsure. how interested they are. Not sure about EKU.

[@sethholland8290]

Along with Missouri State & Delaware, I think another school for C-USA to keep its eye on would be Eastern Kentucky, who stated a desire to move up to FBS.

[@hanyuzhu7276]

I would love to see the EKU-WKU rivalry in CUSA

[@michaelburt9839]

Put a check in the box next to Delaware. You nailed it!

[@jewellwilliamson9819]

Spot on with Missouri State

[@danehammond5763]

The main area we disagree is that I think Delaware would be more likely to get into the Sun Belt for monetary reasons and due to the historical rivalries with Old Dominion and James Madison, both Sun Belt schools. I think Delaware would value those rivalries in trying to move up to FBS. But I do agree about Missouri State. SFA I think could eventually be motivated to move if the A-SUN/WAC doesn't due to Sam Houston. Missouri State is a near lock and we agree about that. I do wonder though if they would try to bring a regional rival to make things a bit easier- say, maybe they would try to drag a Murray State or a Illinois State with them up to FBS level.

[@garrettputman291]

Your videos are great!

[@shadowcrusader1158]

I wouldn’t really try and add any of the Asun WAC members, as even if that were to join CUSA, they would most likely rejoin their old conference once enough teams have made it to FBS.

[@anncase8673]

With Delaware officially moving to CUSA and all the upgrades they've been making it'll definitely be interesting to see where it goes

[@Joshua-uw7wm]

I remember when conferences had between 7-9 teams

[@Hund0368]

your production quality is STELLAR for how few subscribers you have

[@johnt3844]

Missouri State got the call. Great video!

[@Mr.Ed_Wayner]

Tarleton St in Stephenville TX is not exactly a hotbed of college football. Stephenville is a HS football power that Art Briles won multiple HS state titles. SFA is now part of the University of Texas system which might give them more resources to move up. SFA makes a lot of sense to be in Conference USA with Sam Houston (rival) and Louisiana Tech. Good video about a conference few care about.

[@stephenstaedtler6902]

You nailed both of these.

[@snapplefaxs8704]

It might be too in the weeds, especially since I'm having trouble finding a source now, but I had heard that one of the reasons it was difficult to get NDSU and SDSU into the Summit league had to do with their connections with SDU and NDU. Apparently all four schools consider themselves a package deal, so if you take 1, you need to take all 4.

[@yader91]

That's pretty common with state schools. It was legislative pressure that forced Virginia to lobby for Virginia Tech to be added to the ACC from the Big East. But it's not always as mandatory as it looks from the outside. If one school is offered a life changing opportunity, there will be bigger blowback from that schools fans if they're denied compared to the other school that got left behind either way. The UC board couldn't force UCLA to stay in the PAC with Cal. Washington and Oregon couldn't be forced to bring their little brothers along or stay behind either.

[@jamesmultari6793]

YSU also has a stadium that would need major renovations. And a Strollo running that department is frightening.

[@cameronhewlett403]

From what I have heard in recent updates (Delaware online), University of Delaware is confirmed to be joining C-USA in 2025

[@BrownieCFB]

Great production value, per usual, go Flames!

[@maninredhelm]

Several years ago, UMass's current AD said it was probably a mistake not to accept full membership in the MAC over going independent in football and remaining in the A10 for basketball. The A10 was a one bid conference in men's basketball last season, and has needed tournament shenanigans to avoid that fate most of the last 5 years. Still, joining a stable MAC in the 2010s isn't the same thing as joining a highly unstable CUSA in the 2020s. They'd take football-only membership anywhere though.

[@trhino3]

The best content keep up the amazing work love to see new uploads ❤

[@jaredstivers]

Could you do a Video on the Wac Asun could be interesting to group of 5? Also what if the C-usa, MWC, ASun, and Wac possible merger/ split?

[@OGDeepStroke]

UMass is the most difficult campaign in NCAA games history, Ole Miss while running any option offense is 2d; my friend, and I during college would take turns playing the career and dynasty mode to try and lead both teams to the promise land, never happened with UMass but got ole Miss to the title twice.

[@lukeontheplains]

UMass and NMSU are my NCAA14 dynasty build squads when I don't play as K-State. Have a lot of fond memories of building up those programs.

[@danieljohnson5775]

I could see in the future the MWC and the big sky having discussions of a merger like in the past. But that would still leave out the dakota schools unless some teams opted to find different homes

[@srirachayaya]

plsss do a video on the history of the big ten, i think it would be interesting since 4 teams are being added

[@terryfox9344]

I believe that CUSA does need to add team(s), specifically because the new rules make it more difficult to add them. However, care will need to be taken to add the best schools possible. CUSA will succeed as their teams succeed. As for the Dakotas, I think that either the MWC or the MAC makes more sense, but the odds and money are probably against.

[@kyleblair]

As a recent North Alabama Alum… we ain’t ready yet… 9:21

[@lilben777]

I’ve heard rumors that Texas-Arlington will get a football team. Yes they’re in the WAC but I can see them going to C-USA also with MO St., Delaware and my big sleeper…. Richmond.

[@joshbeard9809]

Totally missing the best option out there for CUSA. That is Austin Peay. I know they are not a powerhouse in football or basketball. However, based on location and their interest to move up (their president saying they want to move up by 2025). It's a win-win.

[@j12m888-fakeaccount]

Theoretical on western Carolina? 14 sports, top 10 in football in FCS and lead SOCON in attendance

[@jacksonperry8283]

This would be a GREAT get for CUSA

[@coachjimvahrenkamp369]

I don’t see the dakotas joining CUSA. Regarding budgets, not revenues, I would look at total athletic budgets and estimate what the total increase would need to be to manage the travel required. Would it be 1-2-3m more a year? Football teams already fly on chartered planes frequently, changing the destination isn’t going to change that line item that much. Plus we’re only talking about 6 games a year. I would think comparing current budgets of the Dakota schools with current cusa league members would give you a better idea if they would be a viable fit.

[@1Starlodge]

would love to see Delaware and Youngstown St in the MAC

[@Raykibb1]

I thought the MAC were adding UMass? Delaware ought to join the MAC with UMass.

[@lukeontheplains]

I made this video a few weeks before both of those announcements were made!

[@Spitfirethedragon]

UCA is one that could jump up quicker as well. They are like 30 minutes from Little Rock, and the business leaders do want more FBS football again in the city. They could play some games at War Memorial Stadium, and there will be a lot of donors to move them up. Tennessee State is talking FBS, and they are moving into the new football stadium they are sharing with the Pro teams. The city of Nashville would help them move up. Chattanooga already said they would like to move up. ACU in Texas is expanding their stadium as well speak. Utah Tech is getting money together to help upgrade their stadium. Montana and Montana Tech may go with the Dakotas to the PAC conference. That would bring the connection there with Wyoming, the two Colorado schools, New Mexico, Boise State. Northern Iowa said they wanted FBS. They could connect the Dakota schools to Missouri State. Illinois State, Indiana State, Lindenwood (Saint Louis tv market), UTRGV, UTA if they add football, McNeese State, Stony Brook (could pair with UMass since UMass is now thinking all sports since A10 could become one bid league, Richmond, Towson, New Hampshire, North Florida been flirting in adding football. North Alabama have the stadium size with less than 15,000, and they may get the money together to make the move from donors. Northern Arizona is Flagstaff would reunite with UTEP and New Mexico State when they were in the Border Conference. Mercer could move up to replace Kennesaw State if Kennesaw moves to the SBC to replace Georgia State moving to AAC. EKU have done a lot to make the move up. They have been trying for more than 10 years to get into FBS. North Dakota State and South Dakota State would be more of a plus than a minus to CUSA. Since ESPN have now got CUSA to televised. They loved both teams and would featured them more on ESPN/ESPN 2 a lot. It would help elevate the rest of CUSA for better tv coverage overall. SE Louisiana contacted CUSA about joining. Lamar spent a lot of money to upgrade their facilities to join FBS again. Beaumont Texas is a pretty good size tv market. Jackson State, Texas Southern (Houston market) and North Carolina A&T along with Tennessee State and Florida A&M are the only logical targets since they are in much better financial shape, and do have a lot of backing. The city of Jackson wanted to try and get them to FBS when Neon Dione was still there. Albany may move up. Fordham could be the next private to move up. Dayton Ohio wanted to leave the A10 for a long time, and they are being blocked to join. They want to upgrade, and with SFAU, UMASS and New Mexico State and if UTEP get their men's basketball program together and FAU? They may upgrade their football team to FBS status. They have been talking about joining FBS conference before 2010 to get an invite to improve them. From what I read, Austin Peay State is raising the funds for a potential FBS move. East Tennessee State brought their football team spearheaded by Kenny Chesney. Kenny could be the influential key for them to raise the money to move to FBS. Yes, that Kenny Chesney who is the country singer. Weber State does have the touch if they want to go. You would have a block with them, Utah Tech, Northern Arizona, UTEP and New Mexico State. It is a shame a former 1AA independent West Texas A&M dropped to D2 or they would be a 6th in that part. D2 schools as possible, Colorado Mesa CSU-Pueblo West Florida UIndy Central Oklahoma who raised a lot of money to upgrade their stadium. Angelo State Midwestern State City official offered to build an on campus stadium and move them to D1. University of Charleston FGCU also thinking of starting football. UTA, Little Rock, Fullerton State, Long Beach State, Northridge State, Xavier, Wright State, Chicago State, North Florida, all looking at restarting or add. Other former D1 programs like Tampa, CSU-LA, and the likes could have kept football and move up.

[@thepatsnumber1fan]

With the Delaware news UConn umass and another New England school seems like the direction

[@newyorknole2225]

If we ever go to a Promotion/Relegation model, CUSA would be perfect as the bottom of the FBS. Since it's centrally located, you could do... SEC>B12>Sun Belt>CUSA B1G>ACC>MAC>CUSA Yes they would be a catch all for all the worst programs but there would be some hope of moving up to better leagues, which is valuable in itself. Imagine Jacksonville State getting to play in the B12/SEC. That would be HUGE for them

[@Mr_ATM]

Being from the city over from Valpo, its still weird hearing them called the Beacons. R.I.P. Crusaders

[@AndrewGauci17]

Do you think that the jackrabbits and the bison join the mountain west conference instead of conference usa

[@danielwimberley3980]

Missouri state has tried working with the Sun Belt about joining. So far word of them possibly joining kinda stopped in early 2023

[@zarch81steve]

This needs an update, Delaware is in, UMass beat NMSU, which played in the Championship game. UMass has increased the Football Budget from 7.5 to close to 11M. Time will tell.

[@melaniewaggoner1989]

Delaware does not want CUSA or SBC. MAC or bust is their goal--they might take AAC--but that invite is not coming. Missouri St. (who would prefer SBC) might bite--depends on how bad they want FBS (or not). They will have a hard time leaving the basketball rivalries of the MVC. Also depends on their new univ. president summer-2024 AND booster support or lack of. Neither Tarleton or SFA are ready--YET--by 2026 they may be. NDSU and SDSU WOULD be FB ONLY--still unlikely. Also They would have to want FBS pretty bad. Disagree with video on one point---CUSA will NOT be willing to give the Dakotas any concessions--it will be the other way around--IF at all.

[@FelixChavez-cd9tf]

I hope CUSA lands Delaware and Missouri State. That would make for solid competitive conference.

[@GermanShepherd1983]

They need to offer strong schools like North Dakota State University. NDSU would add a lot to CUSA strength.

[@Lawomenshoops]

Tarleton has money, is willing to spend it and wants to be FBS. They recently announced a new basketball arena. They are a no-brainer choice. Missouri St would be a good addition. But I have been hearing that they want to move up forever. They have not made that move yet. Why? Cold feet? No money? No support? Scared. McNeese St has also been talking about moving up. That is their end goal. They should be considered for CUSA expansion.

[@NicAngerstein]

Great video thanks

[@finnclougherty453]

What I’m hearing is we need a beach volleyball/bowling superconference

[@lukeontheplains]

clearly these are the most important sports

[@jdabomb8064]

Loving this

[@austinunderwood]

North Alabama moved up from d2 to fcs in 2018 and their athletic budget is growing exponentially. Why is money an issue for them and not Tarleton state?

[@Josh-ut4wv]

Now i will say the Dakotas if they did move to FBS which a lot of FCS schools who do want to because well the money if they arent dominant they will be payed hundreds of thousands of dollars just for big schools to beat up on them (as beating up on several G5 schools doesn't hurt bowl eligibility unlike with FC where you can only play one ). Now for the Dakotas really the MW or MAC are their best case as being in the Dakotas hurts them badly as 3 of the 5 Group of 5 conferences occupy the same area. SFA also could do it if the WAC ASUN thing falls through as they like Sam Houston wanted to make the move to FBS and if they did go to C-USA they could continue the rivalry game they have which sadly ended due to Sam Houston leaving FCS.

[@terranceramirez4816]

It’s too bad that the rules practically make it prohibitive to form a new G5 conference solely out of teams moving up from FCS because I think that there sorely needs to be a G5 conference in the Great Plains area. The 4 Dakota schools, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, St. Thomas and any of the Texas FCS schools looking to move up would be a solid kernel to build around.

[@Josh-ut4wv]

@@terranceramirez4816 yeah as it looks like the WAC ASUN move might be falling through

[@Sam2sham]

I think they should stay at 10 and control expenses. One side of the country has six. And the other 4. Rotate one team from the east to the west each year, and have a championship game from the best team in the east and the west. Schedule local ooc fbs and fcs teams for the rest of 5he schedule.

[@willbygosh4887]

The CUSA Commissioner said that 12 teams would be the ideal number and with Delaware being the 11th full member in 2025,there's bound to be a 12th member in the horizon.But the CUSA should expand to 14 to 16 members to become more competitive with the Sunbelt Conference or even surpass it again.

[@josephangel5962]

you said southern would get c usa back in Louisiana, but Tech is still there

[@Legendsingray]

You totally missed one that got added to the CUSA - Kennesaw State. Did that catch you by surprise?

[@lukeontheplains]

I noted their addition in the last video.

[@JeffBaynham]

I think you short-sold Eastern Kentucky. If Jacksonville St or Kenesaw State can make it, EKU could. I also hope Chattanooga can make the move.

[@alexthiel829]

Bro nailed it

[@packerchu]

So will there be a FCS anymore? When will conferences get too large? What happens if a FBS school can’t fund all 16 sports?

[@packerchu]

Ah, almost misread that UND chart and thought women’s hockey earned more revenue than the men’s team.

[@Angrynood]

Got that royalty free jazz

[@jmed412]

The question that needs to be answered is why did C-USA go from being a solid mid major football conference to needing FCS call ups to survive?

[@terranceramirez4816]

They got hit pretty hard by the realignment at the beginning of the Teens, and the Sun Belt made some pretty savvy decisions about going for schools with relatively high prestige instead of chasing market size as was the trend back then which allowed them to pull a jiu jitsu move on the C-USA and become the highest regarded mid major conference in the South.

[@cornball3884]

When’s the big 10 conference video coming