Due to its financial commitments to football and athletics overall, Tarleton State has come up in many conversations when it comes to conference realignment.
The Texans have been in the FCS for less than a decade, but they’re already in a position to make a jump to the FBS. In fact, that may happen sooner rather than later.
ESPN reported Tarleton State would be a favorite for Conference USA if it needed a team. And with Louisiana Tech now leaving CUSA for the Sun Belt, Tarleton State may be in a good position to make that jump up.
How Tarleton State Could Move Up From The FCS
Tarleton State has been a prime candidate to move up to the FBS for a few years due to its financial backing of football and athletics overall.
And that commitment has led to results thus far. The Texans haven’t endured a losing season at the FCS level. Most recently, they went 10-4 overall in 2024 and reached the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
But with most FCS schools aiming to move up, the opportunity has to be right. And that may be on the horizon.
2025 Conference Realignment News
Texas State is officially going to the Pac-12, and news dropped on Monday that Louisiana Tech has been invited to join the Sun Belt to put the SBC back at 14 teams.
With CUSA down a member, Tarleton State is reportedly a favorite for the conference. CUSA hasn’t been shy about adding FCS members. Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, Missouri State, and Delaware have all gone to Conference USA from the FCS within the past three years.
When Would Tarleton State Go To The FBS?
It’s unclear how fast Tarleton State would receive an invite from Conference USA, and the school moving up to the FBS would likely hinge on that invitation.
The soonest Louisiana Tech would leave CUSA would be 2026. So the domino effect eventually impacting Tarleton State would likely be in 2026 or later.
Tarleton State Buyout/Exit Fee
The fee to move from the FCS to the FBS is $5 million.
Teams In Conference USA
Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Sam Houston, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Middle Tennessee, and Kennesaw State were the teams in Conference USA in 2024. However, Delaware and Missouri State will be joining CUSA in 2025.
Conference USA Media Deal
Conference USA agreed to a five-year media rights deal that began during the 2023 football season with ESPN and CBS. There’s an option for a sixth year as well, which would be for the 2028-29 academic year. Teams were scheduled to be paid about $750,000 per year on average.
How Long Has Tarleton State Been In The FCS?
Tarleton State has played in the FCS for five seasons. The Texans joined the WAC in 2020 and are currently in the UAC for football.
