Louisiana Tech has become another FBS program that will jump conferences.
Sun Belt decision-makers have voted to invite LA Tech to join the conference in the near future, according to a report from ESPN. This follows Texas State’s departure for the Pac-12.
Here’s a look at what this means for Louisiana Tech and Group of Five college football.
Louisiana Tech-Sun Belt Conference Realignment
Louisiana Tech going to the Sun Belt is just another ripple effect in college football conference realignment. The Bulldogs are going to the Sun Belt because of movement in other conferences. And it’s possible this leads to more movement in the FBS and FCS.
Why La Tech Is Going To The Sun Belt
Before Texas State even left, the Sun Belt was getting ready for the possibility and was looking to Louisiana Tech as a potential addition.
The Sun Belt has strongly considered programs that would make sense geographically, not just necessarily ones that have performed well on the field. The league also saw LA Tech’s success in baseball and softball as bonuses as well.
Louisiana Tech will also be near other SBC teams like Louisiana, ULM, and Southern Miss.
When Would Louisiana Tech Join The Sun Belt?
Assuming Texas State would go to the Pac-12 in 2026, it would make sense for Louisiana Tech to also jump conferences next year. However, nothing is final yet.
The Sun Belt’s Other Options
Many viewed Western Kentucky and Liberty as potential targets for the Sun Belt over Louisiana Tech strictly because of football success.
LA Tech hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2019. Western Kentucky, meanwhile, has appeared in a bowl game in every season except for one going back to 2014. Liberty has appeared in six straight bowl games, winning Conference USA and appearing in the Fiesta Bowl in 2023.
Ohio from the MAC also reportedly discussed the possibility of going to the Sun Belt with SBC officials. However, nothing has materialized there as of yet.
What’s Next For Conference USA?
Tarleton State is reportedly a favorite to receive an invite from Conference USA if the league wants to get its numbers back up.
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.
Tarleton State would also make sense, as it has heavily invested in football. It would also give CUSA a team in Texas again with UTEP on its way out next year.
Louisiana Tech’s Conference USA Buyout
Louisiana Tech would need to pay two years worth of revenue distribution and buy back its grant of rights to leave CUSA for the Sun Belt. For La Tech to leave in 2026, ESPN reported the cost could be more than $5 million.
Teams In The Sun Belt
There are 14 teams in the Sun Belt this year. The Sun Belt would’ve been down to 13 next year with Texas State on the way out, but the SBC will be back to 14 teams with the addition of LA Tech.
Here’s a list of teams in the Sun Belt:
- Marshall
- Georgia Southern
- James Madison
- Old Dominion
- Coastal Carolina
- App State
- Georgia State
- Louisiana
- Texas State
- Arkansas State
- South Alabama
- ULM
- Troy
- Southern Miss
Teams In Conference USA
There are 12 teams in Conference USA this year. However, UTEP will be going to the Mountain West in 2026. So if LA Tech is also going to the Sun Belt by then, CUSA may be down to 10 teams by next year.
Here’s a list of the teams currently in CUSA:
- Jacksonville State
- Western Kentucky
- Sam Houson
- Liberty
- Louisiana Tech
- UTEP
- FIU
- New Mexico State
- Middle Tennessee
- Kennesaw State
- Delaware
- Missouri State
Pac-12 Adds Texas State In 2026
Texas State officially is going to become a member of the Pac-12, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. That gave the Pac-12 the eighth full-time member it needed to meet FBS requirements.
The Pac-12 added five Mountain West schools, but the league initially wanted more from the MW. UNLV and Air Force were seen as potential Pac-12 candidates as well, but they are staying put and therefore are receiving more money from the Mountain West. The Pac-12 is supposed to pay hefty fees for taking Mountain West schools, but exactly how much may need to be settled in court.
The Pac-12 also tried adding multiple AAC programs like Tulane and UTSA, but those schools recommitted to the AAC. Memphis could still potentially go to the Pac-12 for football, but that seems uncertain as well.
Sun Belt Media Deal
Teams in the Sun Belt receive about $2 million per year thanks to its media deal with ESPN, which ends in 2031.
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 Louisiana Tech Been In CUSA?
Louisiana Tech has played in Conference USA since 2013. The Bulldogs were in the Western Athletic Conference before that. They played in the Sun Belt in sports other than football from 1991-2001 before going to the WAC.
