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Conference expansion continues around the country as the Sun Belt Conference is about to announce several new members to their league.
Southern Miss, Old Dominion, James Madison, and Marshall, are all reportedly headed to the Sun Belt. The official announcement won’t be made until sometime next week.
Per a report by @collegead, the Sun Belt Conference is closing in on adding four new memebers, Southern Miss, Marshall, JMU, and ODU with an announcement expected early next week. @wmbfnews #SunBelt
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) October 22, 2021
Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reports that Southern Miss has accepted its invitation.
Southern Miss has accepted an invite to the Sun Belt, sources tell @SINow. Starting play in 2023. Excluded from the last realignment, Eagles benefit in this one.
Distribution is similar to CUSA but USM will save $400K+ on travel & should enliven fan base with regional rivalries.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 22, 2021
This comes on the heels of the announcement that the AAC will add six members to their conference: Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, UAB, and Texas-San Antonio.
Since Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, there has been a scramble by conferences around the country to replace teams that have moved to other leagues in a hurry.
Expect more expansion news in the coming weeks and months.
Veteran journalist Stacey Mickles graduated from the University of Alabama and covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
