Tech to the Belt, 2026

[RaginScotsman]

It’s just a “blah” add. It’s good for us I suppose. Good for ULM. Maybe USM. Just gross for the conference. Adding the ODUs and JMUs, those were no brainer great additions. You could see the benefit. With Tech, they don’t bring much more than a bus trip and some ______ talk. Doesn’t seem to help the perception of the conference at all.

[Ragin9221]

Letting tech into the belt will only kill ULM. Conference affiliation was the only thing keeping ULM on techs level. I’m hoping it won’t affect us recruiting wise.

Its not going to kill ULM. I know yall love to think ULM is going away they are not.

[Jacob81]

Its not going to kill ULM. I know yall love to think ULM is going away they are not.

I don’t think ULM is going anywhere, just think it will make them even less relevant in athletics.

[Ragin9221]

I don’t think ULM is going anywhere, just think it will make them even less relevant in athletics.

The issue with ULM isn't necessarily the quality of the program—it’s fan interest. Monroe’s community dynamics are very different from places like Lafayette, where surrounding areas such as Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, and Lafayette itself are generally viewed as one unified region. In Monroe, however, everything feels much more localized and divided. The community is regionalized to the point where even neighboring towns and schools have distinct rivalries that go beyond casual competition.

Take high school football, for example—it’s not just spirited matchups like Acadiana vs. Carencro. In Monroe, the rivalries run deeper and get personal. Games between Ouachita High School and West Monroe High School, or between West Monroe and Ruston, are major events. These aren’t just high school football games—they’re community showdowns with decades of tension and pride behind them.

That same intensity and sense of identity could be harnessed to boost ULM’s fan base, especially if they were in the same conference as Louisiana Tech. The rivalry potential is enormous, and simply being aligned in conference play would amplify attendance, media interest, and regional pride. Grambling offers a similar opportunity—the more local programs interact on meaningful stages, the more likely fans are to turn out and engage.

That’s the best way I can describe the uniqueness of Monroe. The culture here thrives on regional identity and rivalry, and tapping into that could be a game-changer for ULM’s fan engagement.

[Lafitte the Pirate]

The issue with ULM isn't necessarily the quality of the program—it’s fan interest. Monroe’s community dynamics are very different from places like Lafayette, where surrounding areas such as Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, and Lafayette itself are generally viewed as one unified region. In Monroe, however, everything feels much more localized and divided. The community is regionalized to the point where even neighboring towns and schools have distinct rivalries that go beyond casual competition.

Take high school football, for example—it’s not just spirited matchups like Acadiana vs. Carencro. In Monroe, the rivalries run deeper and get personal. Games between Ouachita High School and West Monroe High School, or between West Monroe and Ruston, are major events. These aren’t just high school football games—they’re community showdowns with decades of tension and pride behind them.

That same intensity and sense of identity could be harnessed to boost ULM’s fan base, especially if they were in the same conference as Louisiana Tech. The rivalry potential is enormous, and simply being aligned in conference play would amplify attendance, media interest, and regional pride. Grambling offers a similar opportunity—the more local programs interact on meaningful stages, the more likely fans are to turn out and engage.

ThatÂ’s the best way I can describe the uniqueness of Monroe. The culture here thrives on regional identity and rivalry, and tapping into that could be a game-changer for ULMÂ’s fan engagement.

I think adding Tech was a smart business decision. I do not like Tech or the Pukes. However, adding Tech puts a hated team that none of us like on games that mean something. It sells tickets and cuts travel cost. There is going to be another realignment in 2031 when all the New TV deals are to be made. We should prepare for any opportunity that benefits UL.

[CajunRed]

TERRIBLE move to allow Tech off the mat after we’ve pinned them down. Extremely disappointing.

[Lafitte the Pirate]

I think adding Tech was a smart business decision. I do not like Tech or the Pukes. However, adding Tech puts a hated team that none of us like on games that mean something. It sells tickets and cuts travel cost. There is going to be another realignment in 2031 when all the New TV deals are to be made. We should prepare for any opportunity that benefits UL. Josh, Your comment on West Florida is good thinking out of the box. However, they are not even close to being ready.

[Hudsheen#Fired]

I just don't like the idea of having 3 schools in the state of Louisiana and two schools 30 minutes apart. Makes the West seem small time and is giving off Southland vibes

[Ragin9221]

TERRIBLE move to allow Tech off the mat after we’ve pinned them down. Extremely disappointing.

On our level do you really think it matters?

Let’s be honest: while fans, administrators, and media analysts may debate endlessly about the strategic merits of switching from Conference USA to the Sun Belt, the general public doesn't usually differentiate. To most casual observers, those labels—CUSA, SBC, MWC—don’t mean much. They're simply part of the broader mid-major landscape. The reality is, whether you're in the Sun Belt or Conference USA, most people outside the die-hard fanbase see these programs as being on the same competitive tier.

That perception is powerful. It means the branding impact of switching conferences is limited unless you're talking about the Power Five. For schools like Louisiana Tech, the move might generate temporary buzz, but it doesn’t radically shift how the program is viewed nationally. The typical college football fan isn't ranking Tech differently simply because of the logo on the field—especially when those leagues are often perceived as interchangeable from the outside.

What does matter more is local relevance, regional rivalries, and ease of travel—all things the Sun Belt offers. So while prestige or perception doesn’t spike overnight, the tangible benefits—crowds in the stands, renewed rivalries, community engagement—carry real value. It's not about impressing ESPN on Monday morning; it's about filling seats on Saturday night.

Thats my perspective!

[jaxmc1023]

Its really only a big deal if you're still clinging to some hope that UL has any national relevance..

The only sport where we could make that case would probably be softball, and that is based more on past performance and reputation than on recent success. LA Tech could probably make the same case about their womens basketball team, and beyond that, theyre no less recognizable nationwide than we are.

On a local level, having Tech will probably be a bigger net positive for attendance than say, East Carolina.