The landscape of FCS football is undergoing significant changes with teams and conferences shifting like never before. As we look ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, here’s a breakdown of the major realignment moves that have taken place:
**Moving from the FCS to FBS:**
– James Madison will join the Sun Belt in 2022.
– Sam Houston and Jacksonville State will transition to FBS in 2023.
– Kennesaw State will begin its FBS transition in 2023 and be eligible in 2024.
– Missouri State and Delaware will make the move to FBS in 2025.
**New to FCS:**
– Texas A&M-Commerce, Lindenwood, Stonehill, West Georgia, Mercyhurst, and Texas-Rio Grande Valley will join the FCS in the coming years.
**Conference Changes:**
– Stephen F. Austin returns to the Southland from the WAC.
– Richmond moves from CAA to Patriot League.
– Sacred Heart and Merrimack leave NEC for independent status.
– Robert Morris returns to NEC from Big South.
– Western Illinois joins OVC from MVFC.
– Bryant moves from Big South to CAA.
**Conference Associations:**
– ASUN and WAC merge to form the United Athletic Conference.
– Southland and OVC have a scheduling alliance.
– Big South and OVC share one bid.
– The FCS conferences are working together to maintain automatic-qualifying bids.
With teams making strategic moves to align themselves with competitive conferences, the FCS football landscape is evolving rapidly. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2024 season approaches.