Liberty to the east and stop ?!

(10-19-2026 05:47 PM)WinstonTheWolf Wrote:  1 million and growing. Impressive. Kenpom #249

7.6% since 2020 census. 6th fastest growing.

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

(10-19-2026 07:00 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

They don’t institutionally - Hazed just likes em.

Delaware fits institutionally and would likely grow stronger in SBC, but stretches the footprint a bit. They were historically strong in FCS, and could bring new markets

(10-19-2026 07:21 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 07:00 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

They don’t institutionally - Hazed just likes em.

Delaware fits institutionally and would likely grow stronger in SBC, but stretches the footprint a bit. They were historically strong in FCS, and could bring new markets

If you love them so much why don't you advocate for them in the American?

Since Marshall & App are unhappy JMU moved away I have a feeling they will get a little more sway. I personally like Ohio but Liberty will be just fine it it's the choice. Delaware would be a mistake IMHO.

I was curious to see how much farther north U of Delaware is compared to Ohio U. Surprised they are almost parallel.

Makes the decision easier to put:

Ohio U and Delaware in the east and WKU in the west. Deal done.

(10-19-2026 07:25 PM)Georgia_Power_Company Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 07:21 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 07:00 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

They don’t institutionally - Hazed just likes em.

Delaware fits institutionally and would likely grow stronger in SBC, but stretches the footprint a bit. They were historically strong in FCS, and could bring new markets

If you love them so much why don't you advocate for them in the American?

Since Marshall & App are unhappy JMU moved away I have a feeling they will get a little more sway. I personally like Ohio but Liberty will be just fine it it's the choice. Delaware would be a mistake IMHO.

Most any/all of the choices put forward are solid.

I actually do think good odds Delaware finds their way to the American in time. Just doesn’t look likely to occur before the next major cycle. They need to build a bit more first, and I doubt American is looking right now.

A pretty fair take by Locked On Sunbelt here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rwM-C_o9TU

(10-19-2026 07:30 PM)SMUfan Wrote:  I was curious to see how much farther north U of Delaware is compared to Ohio U. Surprised they are almost parallel.

Makes the decision easier to put:

Ohio U and Delaware in the east and WKU in the west. Deal done.

Ohio U and Delaware in the east and Missouri State in the west. Better deal.

As a fan of a West school, I don’t care who the East wants, as long as it’s Ohio or WKU.

In all seriousness I would love to pull Ohio. We’ve proven we can backfill from CUSA before. If we managed to pull in Ohio it would cement us above both CUSA and MAC. And really as crazy as it sounds, I think that would open the MAC up to be raided by CUSA.

(10-19-2026 02:14 PM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 09:55 AM)monarx Wrote:  It would be so hilarious to bring in ECU as JMU goes there. I wouldnt mind bringing in Charlotte, I think they're a good fit TBH. Delaware is actually the closest thing to replacing what JMU brought though. They'd be my top choice behind ECU which I cant see happening.

How is Delaware anything like JMU? JMU was good in football and basketball before they joined us and competed in the SBC from day one. Delaware doesn't have that pedigree. They are more like Charlotte, and you are the only one that wants Charlotte. Does the East just really need a doormat?

"more like Charlotte"? Really, come on.

Delaware and JMU were conference rivals in the CAA for years. The two teams were always near the top of the standings and Delaware's facilities are at the top of the G6 already. Both Delaware and JMU make 18 FCS postseason appearances. Delaware won a Natty in 2003, JMU then won in 2004.

JMU played in 4 FCS national championship games & won 2
Delaware played in 5 FCS national championship games & won 1

UD football did dip in their standings after a former AD fired coach KC Keeler and had several coaching changes after that. But finally stabilized.

Over their entire history in FCS, Delaware had only 8 losing seasons (of them in the 21st century when they made some bad coaching hires)
Over their entire history in FCS, JMU has 11 losing seasons (12 if you count their 1st transition year in 1979 when they played half their schedule against D1 teams).

In Delaware's first year in FBS, we made a bowl and beat UL in it with our #2 QB, as the starter got hurt in game 1.

This year, our number 1 QB went down during game against UVA. Now, we only have a Freshman QB. But hopefully, we can figure out a way to make a 2nd bowl instead of having this season (which originally looked like a potential CUSA championship contender) become a lost season.

The MAIN difference between JMU and Delaware has been that Delaware stupidly prioritizes in hiring Delaware alumni instead of hiring the best possible candidate for Head Coach. JMU has built a tradition of knowing how to hire good coaches, while Delaware keeps hiring alumni or people former coaches recommend.

Basketball, is a different issue. We used to be pretty good there, esp during the Mike Brey days, but a few bad coaching hires since then has really hurt the program.

Also, like JMU, Delaware is also very good a Field Hockey, Soccer & Lacrosse.

NOTE: I'm not sure that Delaware's board is going to be interested in the SunBelt without JMU. It's no secret that Delaware's current FBS goal is the American and that Delaware wanted to join the SunBelt with JMU. For the longest time, both Delaware and JMU refused to move up to FBS unless it was to the Big East/American.

I still remember when the MAC offered Delaware, JMU & UCONN to join and create a eastern branch. But the three schools or at least both UD and JMU said no.

(10-19-2026 07:00 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

You should quote Purplehazed if you want him to answer you.

(10-19-2026 10:33 PM)sigke Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 02:14 PM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 09:55 AM)monarx Wrote:  It would be so hilarious to bring in ECU as JMU goes there. I wouldnt mind bringing in Charlotte, I think they're a good fit TBH. Delaware is actually the closest thing to replacing what JMU brought though. They'd be my top choice behind ECU which I cant see happening.

How is Delaware anything like JMU? JMU was good in football and basketball before they joined us and competed in the SBC from day one. Delaware doesn't have that pedigree. They are more like Charlotte, and you are the only one that wants Charlotte. Does the East just really need a doormat?

"more like Charlotte"? Really, come on.

Delaware and JMU were conference rivals in the CAA for years. The two teams were always near the top of the standings and Delaware's facilities are at the top of the G6 already. Both Delaware and JMU make 18 FCS postseason appearances. Delaware won a Natty in 2003, JMU then won in 2004.

JMU played in 4 FCS national championship games & won 2
Delaware played in 5 FCS national championship games & won 1

UD football did dip in their standings after a former AD fired coach KC Keeler and had several coaching changes after that. But finally stabilized.

In Delaware's first year in FBS, we made a bowl and beat UL in it with ours #2 QB as the starter got hurt in game 1.

This year, our number 1 QB went down during game against UVA. Now, we only have a Freshman QB. But hopefully, we can figure out a way to make a 2nd bowl instead of having this season (which originally looked like a potential CUSA championship contender) become a lost season.

The MAIN difference between JMU and Delaware has been that Delaware stupidly prioritizes in hiring Delaware alumni instead of hiring the best possible candidate for Head Coach.

Basketball, is a different issue. We used to be pretty good there, esp during the Mike Brey days, but a few bad coaching hires since then has really hurt the program.

Also, like JMU, Delaware is also very good a Field Hockey, soccer & Lacrosse.

In the blind poll thread, Delaware was the 7th team listed. Out of those 7, this is how they fared:

Average Football Rating: 109 (6th)
Average Football Wins: 6.8 (5th)
Average Basketball NET/RPI: 215.4 (7th)
Average Baseball RPI: 172.6(5th)
Average Attendance Rank Football/Basketball: (6th)

Maybe Charlotte would be worse? Definitely closer to Charlotte than JMU.

You guys do realize conference championship games are going away when the 24-team playoff begins, right?

No need to add anyone.

Just say NOOOO to LIberty-Biberty

(10-19-2026 10:41 PM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 07:00 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 08:20 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 04:38 AM)Purplehazed Wrote:  If it were my call, I would pursue Deleware.

I know that does not excite the west and they are
Newbies to fbs but watch...

Liberty too...fits the Belt

The blind resume poll showed Delaware has been terrible across all sports. They seem like a Charlotte add to me. All potential with no game.

Huh....in what way does Liberty fit the SunBelt?

You should quote Purplehazed if you want him to answer you.

You can answer if you want. I will talk to anybody.

(10-19-2026 10:33 PM)sigke Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 02:14 PM)Luckyshot Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 09:55 AM)monarx Wrote:  It would be so hilarious to bring in ECU as JMU goes there. I wouldnt mind bringing in Charlotte, I think they're a good fit TBH. Delaware is actually the closest thing to replacing what JMU brought though. They'd be my top choice behind ECU which I cant see happening.

How is Delaware anything like JMU? JMU was good in football and basketball before they joined us and competed in the SBC from day one. Delaware doesn't have that pedigree. They are more like Charlotte, and you are the only one that wants Charlotte. Does the East just really need a doormat?

"more like Charlotte"? Really, come on.

Delaware and JMU were conference rivals in the CAA for years. The two teams were always near the top of the standings and Delaware's facilities are at the top of the G6 already. Both Delaware and JMU make 18 FCS postseason appearances. Delaware won a Natty in 2003, JMU then won in 2004.

JMU played in 4 FCS national championship games & won 2
Delaware played in 5 FCS national championship games & won 1

UD football did dip in their standings after a former AD fired coach KC Keeler and had several coaching changes after that. But finally stabilized.

Over their entire history in FCS, Delaware had only 8 losing seasons (of them in the 21st century when they made some bad coaching hires)
Over their entire history in FCS, JMU has 11 losing seasons (12 if you count their 1st transition year in 1979 when they played half their schedule against D1 teams).

In Delaware's first year in FBS, we made a bowl and beat UL in it with ours #2 QB as the starter got hurt in game 1.

This year, our number 1 QB went down during game against UVA. Now, we only have a Freshman QB. But hopefully, we can figure out a way to make a 2nd bowl instead of having this season (which originally looked like a potential CUSA championship contender) become a lost season.

The MAIN difference between JMU and Delaware has been that Delaware stupidly prioritizes in hiring Delaware alumni instead of hiring the best possible candidate for Head Coach. JMU has build a tradition of knowing how to hire good coaches, while Delaware keeps hiring alumni or people former coaches recommend.

Basketball, is a different issue. We used to be pretty good there, esp during the Mike Brey days, but a few bad coaching hires since then has really hurt the program.

Also, like JMU, Delaware is also very good a Field Hockey, Soccer & Lacrosse.

NOTE: I'm not sure that Delaware's board is going to be interested in the SunBelt without JMU. It's no secret that Delaware's current FBS goal is the American and that Delaware wanted to join the SunBelt with JMU. For the longest time, both Delaware and JMU refused to move up to FBS unless it was to the Big East/American.

I still remember when the MAC offered Delaware, JMU & UCONN to join and create a eastern branch. But the three schools or at least both UD and JMU said no.

I thought it was UD, JMU and UMass. UMass said no because the MAC wanted them for all sports and UMass only wanted football only.

UD and JMU had a pretty strong rivalry in the Atlantic 10/CAA days. And it did appear that JMU and UD were connected in moving up.
I think JMU wanted to move with UD but at the time UD wasn't ready to make the move.
I think the big problem for UD right now is moving to the Sun Belt doesn't really solve the geography problem. CUSA and the Sun Belt are not great for UD from a geographic standpoint. UD to the American is absolutely perfect for them. But I have a feeling that UD needs to do more for the American to consider them right now.
The problem with moving up to the Sun Belt is that they just paid an exit and entrance fee to CUSA. Have they received anything from CUSA to make it a net positive? If not, how do they go even more in the negative and pay another exit and entrance fee that will take even longer to see a profit?

I believe UD would be very competitive in the Sun Belt. They have a rich history.

How would Ohio fans respond to being in a southeastern conference?

Would the move generate the level of enthusiasm needed to move the program forward or would they see it as a not so great move?

Delaware as a football program is fine. Everything else leaves a lot to be desired. Liberty, Ohio and WKU are better from top to bottom and closer to the rest of us.

(10-19-2026 07:30 PM)SMUfan Wrote:  I was curious to see how much farther north U of Delaware is compared to Ohio U. Surprised they are almost parallel.

Makes the decision easier to put:

Ohio U and Delaware in the east and WKU in the west. Deal done.

Since you brought it up...

Ohio is on average just under 7 hours and 425 miles from the East members. Delaware is 8:45 hours and 525 miles away. Arkansas State is the closest West member to Ohio at 10 hrs and 635 miles. Troy is the closest to Delaware at 14.5 hours and 930 miles.

(10-20-2026 10:12 AM)JTApps1 Wrote:  

(10-19-2026 07:30 PM)SMUfan Wrote:  I was curious to see how much farther north U of Delaware is compared to Ohio U. Surprised they are almost parallel.

Makes the decision easier to put:

Ohio U and Delaware in the east and WKU in the west. Deal done.

Since you brought it up...

Ohio is on average just under 7 hours and 425 miles from the East members. Delaware is 8:45 hours and 525 miles away. Arkansas State is the closest West member to Ohio at 10 hrs and 635 miles. Troy is the closest to Delaware at 14.5 hours and 930 miles.

That doesn't sound very good.

So why not negotiate with the 2 best football candidates in the footprint? ((psss keep it quiet, don't tell anybody, that's Liberty and Jax State.))