Overview
- Sun Belt CEOs voted on July 14 to invite Louisiana Tech as the league’s 14th member following Texas State’s move to the Pac-12.
- Louisiana Tech formally informed Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod of its intent to leave and join the Sun Belt.
- The Bulldogs are negotiating an exit fee of at least $5 million and aim to begin Sun Belt competition in the 2026 football season.
- Rejoining the conference revives West division rivalries with Louisiana–Monroe, Louisiana–Lafayette, Southern Mississippi and South Alabama.
- Tech returns to the Sun Belt for the first time since 2001 after stints in the WAC and Conference USA, fitting Commissioner Keith Gill’s regional focus.