Conference realignment has resulted in several FCS affiliation changes over the last few years.
And there are more coming in 2026.
Below is a running list of FCS affiliation changes that will occur next year.
RELATED: Conference Affiliation Changes In 2025
Villanova, William & Mary Join The Patriot League As Football Members
Villanova and William & Mary depart CAA Football to join the Patriot League in 2026 as football-only members. The two follow Richmond, who made a similar conference jump starting in the 2025 season.
In 2026, the Patriot League will expand to 10 teams: Bucknell, Colgate, Fordham, Georgetown, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Richmond, Villanova, and William & Mary.
The CAA will drop to 12 football members: UAlbany, Bryant, Campbell, Elon, Hampton, Maine, Monmouth, New Hampshire, North Carolina A&T, Rhode Island, Stony Brook, and Towson.
Saint Francis Moves To D3
Saint Francis University, a member of the NEC, will reclassify from Division I to Division III after the 2025-26 academic year. The Red Flash will move to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees,” Chairman and the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman said. “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game.”
University of New Haven Football Likely Joins The NEC
The University of New Haven, located in West Haven, Connecticut, has accepted a full membership invitation to join the Northeast Conference. New Haven will be integrated into NEC athletic schedules beginning in the 2025-26 academic year with the exception of football. The timing of New Haven football’s addition to the conference schedule is still to be determined, although 2026 seems likely.
Chicago State Launches Football
Chicago State University will begin its FCS football program in 2026. Bobby Rome II was named the first-ever head football coach in April 2025.
Chicago State is expected to play an independent schedule in 2026 before playing an NEC schedule in 2027.
Sac State Going FBS?
In April 2025, Sacramento State filed an application and waiver to transition from FCS to FBS as a football independent starting in 2026. A waiver is needed due to the school transitioning from FCS to FBS without a conference invite.
Sac State has waited longer than it had hoped for an answer. The Hornets first need approval from the FBS Oversight Committee and then the Division 1 Council. The FBS Oversight Committee has pushed off considering the waiver until its June 16 meeting.
