Who Will Replace Tech?

[MarlinMan3]

That game was scheduled to be played in Ruston.

Ooops

[Cajunrunner]

We need to play a money game so we can afford a pitching and hitting coach for softball.

You know…not the worst suggestion if we can get that money up front by the end of this month.

[KajunKrazy]

Tech was scheduled to visit CF in 2026 OOC game. Taking guesses on who Maggard signs up...

Tech may not enter the conference until 2027. The release said they are to enter no later than July 2027. From what I heard they have to give CUSA 14 months notice. So CUSA would have to give them the OK to leave early.

[raginrevival]

https://jmusportsnews.com/2025/07/14...divide-column/

[Duckster]

CUSA is also losing UTEP to the MWC next year. Figure they'll add a couple of Texas schools.

[CajunT]

https://jmusportsnews.com/2025/07/14...divide-column/

While interesting, he makes several good points. But it's just as likely that all of his scenarios end entirely different.

First the AAC is not likely to implode since most of the cream of that conference have the revenue to eventually achieve the $10M mandatory revenue for athletes by 2026-2027. Tulane and Memphis may want that Big 12 invite; they were jilted last expansion. The word is that they may be interested in Oregon State and Washington State but not at this time. Rumors are also swirling that the Pac 8's new media deal will not be enough to keep either member satisfied long term. There might be a fit there possibly by 2031.

What is more than likely to happen with the AAC is the group at the bottom of the conference that is struggling financially, UNT, UAB, FIU and possibly ECU are shown the door and the AAC forces the SBC hands by offering JMU, ODU, Georgia State and possibly Marshall. JMU and ODU both have the financial prowess to sustain an AAC membership. The AAC loves markets and that would mean Georgia State. Well Marshall? I threw them in, but they are the Dime Store Willy of the Group.

Now that's were things could get really interesting. Does the AAC have a Western Division and create a Super G5 Conference? What happens to the SBC, MAC and MWC? Can they become a viable Super G5 conference? It's really hard to tell. But on that note since 2018 only 3 programs have appeared in the SBC Championship game multiple times, Louisiana, Appalachian State and Troy. Marshall and Coastal have been a 1 year wonder up to this point. This year may be JMU's best shot to add their name to a Championship Belt, but we have the entire 2025 season to find out if they are worthy.

Let's Geaux!


Georgia Southern
Appalachian State
ECU
Coastal Carolina
WKU
Middle Tenn
FIU
Troy
UAB
S. Alabama
USM
Louisiana
Louisiana Tech
UNT
ULM

It's very possible the AAC could join a Western Division like what is left of the modern PAC and MWC.

Air Force
Boise State
Colorado State
Fresno State
Neveda
Wyoming
San Diego State
Texas State
UNLV
Utah State
UTEP

[cajunfan96]

Tech was scheduled to visit CF in 2026 OOC game. Taking guesses on who Maggard signs up...

Southside High

[CajunNation]

Sam Houston State!

Easy travel. Future conference opponent. It just makes sense. We really should start scheduling home and homes in every sport with them as soon as possible. Start building rivalries.

[CajunNation]

What is more than likely to happen with the AAC is the group at the bottom of the conference that is struggling financially, UNT, UAB, FIU and possibly ECU are shown the door and the AAC forces the SBC hands by offering JMU, ODU, Georgia State and possibly Marshall. JMU and ODU both have the financial prowess to sustain an AAC membership. The AAC loves markets and that would mean Georgia State. Well Marshall? I threw them in, but they are the Dime Store Willy of the Group.

Now that's were things could get really interesting. Does the AAC have a Western Division and create a Super G5 Conference? What happens to the SBC, MAC and MWC? Can they become a viable Super G5 conference?

If we're not in the top G5 conference, I'm definitely not interested in some far flung mish mash of schools spanning half of the country.

At that point, I would much rather SBC 2030 or something similar.

[CAJUNSby90]

Sam Houston State!

Easy travel.

That's SMALL TIME talk.