This topic implies schools could move up to FBS tomorrow if they desired. The problem is a current FBS conference would have to be willing to accept them for them to make the transition. The way CFB playoff money is distributed it is in a G5 conference best interest to downsize to 10 teams instead of expanding to 14.

(07-21-2016 12:06 PM)kreed5120 Wrote:  This topic implies schools could move up to FBS tomorrow if they desired. The problem is a current FBS conference would have to be willing to accept them for them to make the transition. The way CFB playoff money is distributed it is in a G5 conference best interest to downsize to 10 teams instead of expanding to 14.

Those are great points to remember. I viewed the thread as a discussion of programs which had the ability to move up regardless of current requirements.

Invitation from an existing FBS conference is a relatively recent requirement. That rule was enacted in January, 2011 and was effective in August, 2011.

Here's an excerpt from the NCAA Division I 2015-16 Manual (April version)

Quote:20.4.2.1 Reclassification from Football Championship Subdivision to Football Bowl Subdivision.
20.4.2.1.1 Eligibility for Reclassification. Before a Football Championship Subdivision institution
may apply for reclassification to the Football Bowl Subdivision, the institution must receive a bona fide invi-
tation for membership from a Football Bowl Subdivision conference or a conference that previously met the
definition of a Football Bowl Subdivision conference (emphasis added) (see Bylaw 20.02.6). (Adopted: 1/15/11 effective 8/1/11)

Universities could transition as an independent and without a conference invitation when Division I originally subdivided for football in the late '70's on into the 2000's. Several current FBS universities took that route. The rule change requiring a conference invitation added an external requirement separate from a university's ability. Another rule impacting transition was the transition moratorium. The most recent moratorium was from 2007-10.

Both of those rules had nothing to do with a university's actual ability to compete as an FBS program.