Understanding the FCS conference realignment

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.