The Sun Belt is bigger and better than ever in 2022. The additions of Marshall, Southern Miss, Old Dominion and James Madison bring the conference to 14 members and boost the overall profile of the league now and into the future. The Thundering Herd are one of four teams poised to challenge for the East Division crown, as Appalachian State, Georgia State and Coastal Carolina all have a case as the preseason favorite on that side. The Monarchs should build off a strong finish to '21 under coach Ricky Rahne, and the Dukes will push for a winning record in their first season at the FBS level. Georgia Southern is a team in transition under new coach Clay Helton.