Okay, I’ve analyzed the provided text and extracted the information about conference changes and new FCS programs. Here’s a summary, organized by year:
New FCS Programs:
2024:
West Georgia (ASUN)
Mercyhurst (NEC)
2025:
Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (Southland)
East Texas A&M (Southland)
Lindenwood (Conference not specified)
Stonehill (Conference not specified)
New Haven (NEC)
2026 (Expected):
Chicago State (NEC)
Conference Changes:
2022:
Kennesaw State leaves Big South, joins ASUN
North Alabama leaves Big South, joins ASUN
Austin Peay leaves OVC, joins ASUN
UIW stays in Southland (was going to WAC)
lamar leaves WAC, joins Southland
Southern Utah leaves Big Sky, joins WAC
Monmouth leaves Big South, joins CAA
Hampton leaves Big South, joins CAA
Stony Brook joins the CAA full time
Bryant leaves NEC, joins Big South
2023:
Murray State leaves OVC, joins MVFC
North Carolina A&T leaves Big South, joins CAA
Campbell leaves Big South, joins CAA
2024:
stephen F. Austin leaves WAC, returns to Southland
Sacred Heart leaves NEC, goes self-reliant
Merrimack leaves NEC, goes independent
Robert Morris leaves Big South, returns to NEC
Western Illinois leaves MVFC, joins OVC
Bryant leaves Big South, joins CAA
2025:
Richmond leaves CAA, joins Patriot League (football only)
2026:
William & Mary leaves CAA, joins Patriot League (football only)
Villanova leaves CAA, joins Patriot League (football only)
Sacramento State leaves Big Sky, goes independent (potentially FBS)
Western Athletic Conference rebrands as the United Athletic Conference (UAC)
Tarleton State leaves WAC, joins UAC
Abilene Christian leaves WAC, joins UAC
UT Arlington leaves WAC, joins UAC
Austin Peay leaves ASUN, joins UAC
Central Arkansas leaves ASUN, joins UAC
Eastern Kentucky leaves ASUN, joins UAC
North Alabama leaves ASUN, joins UAC
West Georgia leaves ASUN, joins UAC
Southern Utah returns to Big Sky
Utah Tech leaves WAC, joins Big Sky
Key Points and Observations:
Conference Realignment: There’s important conference realignment happening, particularly with the CAA, Patriot League, and the formation of the UAC.
WAC/ASUN Split: The WAC and ASUN are essentially splitting, with the football programs forming the UAC.
Patriot League Focus: The Patriot League is becoming a more attractive option for football-only members from other conferences.
Independence: Some schools are choosing independence, often when their primary conference doesn’t sponsor football.
Automatic bid Implications: The changes are likely to impact which conferences are eligible for automatic bids to the FCS playoffs.
Big sky: The Big Sky will have 13 football-playing members in 2026, the most in the FCS.
This summary should give you a clear overview of the conference changes and new FCS programs mentioned in the text.
