(10-13-2026 05:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 10:45 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 09:45 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Checking in, rumblings of Ohio or Delaware to replace JMU.

The more I've thought about it the more I think its best the SBC just adds one in the east. If it goes to 16 that is going to push the conference toward a split.

Ohio IMO adds more value than Delaware. Travel partner for Marshall. Strong recruiting sate. Demonstrated success in FB & BB. Delaware has no history in BB and no history of note in FBS. Plus Delaware is a flight risk to the American.

What makes ohio attractive again? 1 MAC C in football since the 60s?

Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

For a member of the MAC, I don't see much upside to the Sun Belt. As best I can tell, the MAC's television contract pays a bit more money, and travel would almost assuredly be more expensive in that conference, even for Ohio.

I'm not saying something won't happen. Weird things seem to happen a lot now. But I'm not seeing a lot of upside.

I suppose there are 3 scenarios here:

1. Sun Belt stays at 13 schools, which feels very unlikely especially with divisions.

2. AAC stays at 15 schools, which means a ripple effect down to one school. My hunch is SB will backfill with a CUSA school like Libertybiberty or WKU, which is more a geographic and cultural fit.

3. AAC wants to even things up at 16 schools, creating two potential downstream holes. And obviously the MAC's chances of getting dinged increase here. I don't know if Miami still wants to shoot for the stars and dismiss any Sun Belt scenario, but either they or Ohio would be candidates.

We kinda knew in the back of our minds it'd happen eventually, but the MAC is no longer insulated and the walls are closing in.

(10-13-2026 07:44 AM)Schadenfreude Wrote:  For a member of the MAC, I don't see much upside to the Sun Belt. As best I can tell, the MAC's television contract pays a bit more money, and travel would almost assuredly be more expensive in that conference, even for Ohio.

I'm not saying something won't happen. Weird things seem to happen a lot now. But I'm not seeing a lot of upside.

My same thoughts, not being snarky ohio has been consistent in the top tier of the mac but winning 1 championship in 50 yrs doesn't scream elite. The popular trend seems to be to exit the MAC. Hopefully the powers at be can calm the raging waters and ink a valuable medua deal to keep the conference in place

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 05:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 10:45 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 09:45 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Checking in, rumblings of Ohio or Delaware to replace JMU.

The more I've thought about it the more I think its best the SBC just adds one in the east. If it goes to 16 that is going to push the conference toward a split.

Ohio IMO adds more value than Delaware. Travel partner for Marshall. Strong recruiting sate. Demonstrated success in FB & BB. Delaware has no history in BB and no history of note in FBS. Plus Delaware is a flight risk to the American.

What makes ohio attractive again? 1 MAC C in football since the 60s?

Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

(10-12-2026 09:43 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Marshall AD Gerald Harrison statement this evening in the aftermath of JMU's announced departure from the SBC to the American:

Herd Nation,
I know there has been much speculation since the announcement of a realignment shake up in our conference. The goal for Marshall Athletics remains the same and we will continue to monitor the ever changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
One Goal. One Herd

https://x.com/GJHJ/status/2109799766997467403

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

Huh.

I will say that that statement on Xitter does come off a bit as if Marshall is looking around.

I'd be very surprised if Marshall does not stay put. Most of their fans have been adamant for years that they want to be in a Southern-oriented conference. But, with the price of an exit from the Sun Belt about to go up, and the MAC about to reach a new media rights deal, now would be a time to make a move.

(10-12-2026 06:56 PM)CLASS Wrote:  What does Miami bring to the table?

TV - No they are non really Cincy or Dayton
Attendance - No

In no particular order:

Football has a relatively high floor and a lot of potential if/when we move on from Martin
Resurgent basketball program with a new arena under construction
Very wealthy donor base that currently funding the best MAC NIL budgets and able to fund conference entrance fees
Good women’s basketball, baseball, and softball programs, a few other strong Olympic programs like field hockey and golf
Ambitious and supportive administration, specifically the President and AD
Good academic and institutional profile for a non-flagship public university

Football, general attendance (last basketball season notwithstanding), and general revenue are certainly weaker points. Nothing is a given but this isn’t 2013 anymore, Miami athletics aren’t chopped liver anymore.

(10-12-2026 06:56 PM)CLASS Wrote:  What does Miami bring to the table?

TV - No they are non really Cincy or Dayton
Attendance - No

Miami is a mix TV region of Cincy and Dayton.
Attendance has gone down hill sadly, but will improve with new conference.

(10-13-2026 08:32 AM)JHVMU19 Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 06:56 PM)CLASS Wrote:  What does Miami bring to the table?

TV - No they are non really Cincy or Dayton
Attendance - No

Miami is a mix TV region of Cincy and Dayton.
Attendance has gone down hill sadly, but will improve with new conference.

I don’t begrudge any school for testing out the waters in this environment. But I’m not convinced attendance would see much difference for any of us.

Not to pile on NIU. But they hosted arguably the biggest MWC “name” on a beautiful evening (Air Force) and posted 15K and change. Of course a tough W-L record is doing them no favors.

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 05:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 10:45 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 09:45 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Checking in, rumblings of Ohio or Delaware to replace JMU.

The more I've thought about it the more I think its best the SBC just adds one in the east. If it goes to 16 that is going to push the conference toward a split.

Ohio IMO adds more value than Delaware. Travel partner for Marshall. Strong recruiting sate. Demonstrated success in FB & BB. Delaware has no history in BB and no history of note in FBS. Plus Delaware is a flight risk to the American.

What makes ohio attractive again? 1 MAC C in football since the 60s?

Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

I would welcome them back but I do not see it happening

(10-13-2026 09:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 05:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 10:45 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  The more I've thought about it the more I think its best the SBC just adds one in the east. If it goes to 16 that is going to push the conference toward a split.

Ohio IMO adds more value than Delaware. Travel partner for Marshall. Strong recruiting sate. Demonstrated success in FB & BB. Delaware has no history in BB and no history of note in FBS. Plus Delaware is a flight risk to the American.

What makes ohio attractive again? 1 MAC C in football since the 60s?

Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

I would welcome them back but I do not see it happening

Marshall doesn't have to worry about the SBC folding like CUSA did which was a driver prompting them to move. Marshall, App State, ODU though are now unhappy with other SBC schools not spending enough and have their gaze set on the AC.

One main advantage of going from MAC/CUSA to the SBC one would think is greater stability but that is coming into question as several of those schools don't want to be there. I don't totally understand it as the American doesn't much more appeal on the FB side than the SBC.

(10-13-2026 09:59 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 09:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 05:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  What makes ohio attractive again? 1 MAC C in football since the 60s?

Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

I would welcome them back but I do not see it happening

Marshall doesn't have to worry about the SBC folding like CUSA did which was a driver prompting them to move. Marshall, App State, ODU though are now unhappy with other SBC schools not spending enough and have their gaze set on the AC.

One main advantage of going from MAC/CUSA to the SBC one would think is greater stability but that is coming into question as several of those schools don't want to be there. I don't totally understand it as the American doesn't much more appeal on the FB side than the SBC.

Why did American Conference say no to Miami and yes to James Madison?

(10-13-2026 08:27 AM)Schadenfreude Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 09:43 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Marshall AD Gerald Harrison statement this evening in the aftermath of JMU's announced departure from the SBC to the American:

Herd Nation,
I know there has been much speculation since the announcement of a realignment shake up in our conference. The goal for Marshall Athletics remains the same and we will continue to monitor the ever changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
One Goal. One Herd

https://x.com/GJHJ/status/2109799766997467403

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

Huh.

I will say that that statement on Xitter does come off a bit as if Marshall is looking around.

I'd be very surprised if Marshall does not stay put. Most of their fans have been adamant for years that they want to be in a Southern-oriented conference. But, with the price of an exit from the Sun Belt about to go up, and the MAC about to reach a new media rights deal, now would be a time to make a move.

Not just Marshall, ODU and App, too.

(10-13-2026 10:04 AM)AllBronco Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 09:59 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 09:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

I would welcome them back but I do not see it happening

Marshall doesn't have to worry about the SBC folding like CUSA did which was a driver prompting them to move. Marshall, App State, ODU though are now unhappy with other SBC schools not spending enough and have their gaze set on the AC.

One main advantage of going from MAC/CUSA to the SBC one would think is greater stability but that is coming into question as several of those schools don't want to be there. I don't totally understand it as the American doesn't much more appeal on the FB side than the SBC.

Why did American Conference say no to Miami and yes to James Madison?

JMU athletic budget 78 million, Miami 38 million. JMU is also a better football program with much more fan support. They still may take Miami's money eventually and let them in, who knows?

The Athletic weighs in.

On the question of who the Sun Belt looks to next, they speculate that Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, and Liberty could be possibilities. No MAC schools are named (aside from the Miami-to-the-American talk that is already well known). This Sun Belt speculation is at least somewhat informed. Among their sources: Former MAC commissioner Rick Chryst.

JMU has shown the way to schedule. They usually schedule 0 or 1 low tier P5. You can reach the college playoff just as easy or perhaps easier in the MAC. Just need to schedule your way in.

(10-13-2026 10:04 AM)AllBronco Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 09:59 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 09:33 AM)cmufanatic Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 08:11 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-13-2026 06:54 AM)polkhigh Wrote:  Without diving into it too deep, they're "Ohio". A good school in the 6th most populated state. Good branding and familiarity even with casuals. Local rivalry with Marshall.

Now turn it around. What makes Marshall attractive to the MAC? They're Marshall, a good school in a contiguous state with strong ties to the conference dating back to 1954. Good branding and familiarity that's within easy driving distance of seven member schools, including a local rivalry with Ohio.

I would welcome them back but I do not see it happening

Marshall doesn't have to worry about the SBC folding like CUSA did which was a driver prompting them to move. Marshall, App State, ODU though are now unhappy with other SBC schools not spending enough and have their gaze set on the AC.

One main advantage of going from MAC/CUSA to the SBC one would think is greater stability but that is coming into question as several of those schools don't want to be there. I don't totally understand it as the American doesn't much more appeal on the FB side than the SBC.

Why did American Conference say no to Miami and yes to James Madison?

JMU has everything you are looking for in a move up candidate.

1) High level of FB success
2) Exploding fanbase (that travels)
3) Strategic market

AC needed to take JMU in order to cut of the SBC from being stronger in the mid atlantic and make up for the addition of Charlotte which is largely a bust.

Miami at this point just has money. SW Ohio is not a strategic market for the AC.

(10-12-2026 09:45 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Checking in, rumblings of Ohio or Delaware to replace JMU.

Someone please take Delaware before we do.

(10-13-2026 11:51 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-12-2026 09:45 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Checking in, rumblings of Ohio or Delaware to replace JMU.

Someone please take Delaware before we do.

My view is Delaware would love to be in the American with teams close by. If the Sun Belt really goes to 25M, they would be trapped. Based on those choices, think Ohio is being courted.

WKU is chopping at the bit to go to the Sun Belt. If Ohio wants to go, it's very possible WKU stays the bridesmaid.

How bad would if be if the MAC was no longer seriously Ohio based.

Say Toledo goes FB only out west, Ohio goes to the Sun Belt and Miami goes to the American and the MAC adds Western Kentucky and Delaware, with a 20M media deal for 11 teams.