(10-31-2026 01:12 PM)Blue_Trombone Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:45 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:05 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 05:38 PM)MUther Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 09:02 AM)Luckyshot Wrote:  If Marshall left, adding Ohio and Delaware would make LESS sense. Ohio is a really small stretch of the current borders to get a program with a lot of history that would likely be better if they weren't relegated to weeknight games. Without Marshall already right there though, we'd be better off pulling a school more centralized.

Delaware was a JMU add. Marshall is nowhere near Delaware. I’d replace them with Lib. Coincidentally, JMU was the biggest obstacle to adding Liberty. JMU is gone. We don’t need to placate them. Take the team that actually adds value to our athletics. This is getting stupid.

If Delaware was added they would be like the 2nd closest school to Marshall after App State. They'd be a buss trip for ODU. Idk why people keep thinking Delaware is up in the north east.

It’s in the Mid-Atlantic, which is in the northeast. It’s not in New England, that would be absurd, but it’s still stretching the footprint even more for no good reason

ODU is in the mid-atlantic

Barely. It’s also in the south, Delaware isn’t

(10-31-2026 02:15 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:12 PM)Blue_Trombone Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:45 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:05 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 05:38 PM)MUther Wrote:  Delaware was a JMU add. Marshall is nowhere near Delaware. I’d replace them with Lib. Coincidentally, JMU was the biggest obstacle to adding Liberty. JMU is gone. We don’t need to placate them. Take the team that actually adds value to our athletics. This is getting stupid.

If Delaware was added they would be like the 2nd closest school to Marshall after App State. They'd be a buss trip for ODU. Idk why people keep thinking Delaware is up in the north east.

It’s in the Mid-Atlantic, which is in the northeast. It’s not in New England, that would be absurd, but it’s still stretching the footprint even more for no good reason

ODU is in the mid-atlantic

Barely. It’s also in the south, Delaware isn’t

Only because Delaware was apart of Pennsylvania when the Mason Dixon line was drawn.

(10-31-2026 02:17 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:15 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:12 PM)Blue_Trombone Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:45 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:05 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  If Delaware was added they would be like the 2nd closest school to Marshall after App State. They'd be a buss trip for ODU. Idk why people keep thinking Delaware is up in the north east.

It’s in the Mid-Atlantic, which is in the northeast. It’s not in New England, that would be absurd, but it’s still stretching the footprint even more for no good reason

ODU is in the mid-atlantic

Barely. It’s also in the south, Delaware isn’t

Only because Delaware was apart of Pennsylvania when the Mason Dixon line was drawn.

I don’t care what state it was part of. You guys are intentionally missing the point that Delaware is too far outside of the footprint. Just because we added two teams in Virginia (and then lost one) doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to add a team in Delaware.

(10-31-2026 03:28 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:17 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:15 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:12 PM)Blue_Trombone Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:45 PM)debragga Wrote:  It’s in the Mid-Atlantic, which is in the northeast. It’s not in New England, that would be absurd, but it’s still stretching the footprint even more for no good reason

ODU is in the mid-atlantic

Barely. It’s also in the south, Delaware isn’t

Only because Delaware was apart of Pennsylvania when the Mason Dixon line was drawn.

I don’t care what state it was part of. You guys are intentionally missing the point that Delaware is too far outside of the footprint. Just because we added two teams in Virginia (and then lost one) doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to add a team in Delaware.

You're intentionally ignoring the point that conventional thinking is out the window (hence the third school in one state) and there a lot of factors rather than just what state a school is in.

Again, I'm not wanting Delaware to be added as 14. But to not vet them would be beyond brain dead and a disservice to the conference.

(10-31-2026 03:51 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Again, I'm not wanting Delaware to be added as 14. But to not vet them would be beyond brain dead and a disservice to the conference.

all youse north of TN will form another 'alliance' once this all plays out....

geo-realignment ... it's inevitable...

(10-31-2026 03:49 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:28 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:17 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:15 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:12 PM)Blue_Trombone Wrote:  ODU is in the mid-atlantic

Barely. It’s also in the south, Delaware isn’t

Only because Delaware was apart of Pennsylvania when the Mason Dixon line was drawn.

I don’t care what state it was part of. You guys are intentionally missing the point that Delaware is too far outside of the footprint. Just because we added two teams in Virginia (and then lost one) doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to add a team in Delaware.

You're intentionally ignoring the point that conventional thinking is out the window (hence the third school in one state) and there a lot of factors rather than just what state a school is in.

Three schools per state fits what we’re doing as a conference way more than adding an outlier. If we were replacing a western team it would be a good idea to look at a third team in Alabama

(10-31-2026 01:38 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Since then , the MAC has had a defection got to PAC, Miami publicly flirting with the AAC, and Toledo fans also are seemingly interested in the PAC. Ohio has spoken to the SBC and if the new AD is doing their due diligence they've spoken to multiple conferences.

I think we are getting to the tail end of the MAC exodus rumors. Its been over two years now in advance of the next TV deal.

9/12/24: PAC-12 announces expansion with Boise St, Fresno St, Col St, SDSU
9/23/24: Memphis, UTSA, Tulane and South Florida turn down the PAC-12
9/26/24: Brett McMurphy reports NIU and Toledo talking with MWC.
10/1/24: UTEP accepts offer to join the MWC.
1/7/25: Northern Illinois accepts an offer to join the MWC.
6/30/25: Texas State announces a move to join the PAC-12
7/9/25: Ohio University reported to be talking to SBC.
7/15/25: Louisana Tech announces move to SBC.
2/9/26: North Dakota St. accepts invite to the MWC.
6/26/25: Greg Flugar reports Ohio & Toledo talking with PAC.
9/25/26: Brett McMurphy reports Miami University contacted the AC.
10/12/26: James Madison announces a move to the AC.
10/24/26: MAC Commissioner reporting TV deal all but signed off on.

Takeaways:

-All of this movement gets going two years ago with a PAC-12 decision to rebuild.

-Toledo FB only to MWC rumors were from two years ago under a different AD.

-Ohio to SBC rumors were to join a SBC with James Madision still in it.

-Both Ohio & Toledo had plenty of time to explore options.

Now as an Ohio fan what I'm hearing from the inside is that Miami is probably gone from the MAC with an invite by the end of November. I believe the MAC is waiting on this to finalize its TV deal. Ohio & Toledo I also believe are more interested in the AC right now than the SBC with both having an outside chance of getting into the AC.

What it sounds like so far (up to this point) that Ohio & Toledo will sign the new MAC TV contract and Miami will hit the road for the AC. It probably works until 2030 until more changes are announced. For sure something else could happen but if I had to put money on it this what I would put money on.

(10-31-2026 04:26 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:51 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Again, I'm not wanting Delaware to be added as 14. But to not vet them would be beyond brain dead and a disservice to the conference.

all youse north of TN will form another 'alliance' once this all plays out....

geo-realignment ... it's inevitable...

I do think if anyone wanted hyper regional leagues, they shouldve stayed in the SoCon, CAA, Big South etc. Even then, the FCS playoffs would take us to places like Montana, North Dakota State etc any given year.

Just need the remaining contingent to stay together. Ohio or Delaware would both be fine...ONLY IF everyone stays put.

(10-30-2026 03:33 PM)sigke Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 04:19 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 02:44 PM)GoBuckeyes1047 Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 01:52 PM)inutech Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 01:41 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  Going to 16 with Ohio, Delaware, and Missouri State adds 19.3 million more people to our footprint.

But probably subtracts net dollars from each of our budgets.

Unless you think our media deal goes up per school and we earn extra tournament credits (as a result of these additions) and that each division saves enough on travel.

Which I'm skeptical of. I mean, it's possible. Any of that is possible. But it's not very likely.

Yeah, the only way I see adding 3 schools working is if the SBC is willing to follow the MAC and play 9 conference games (would remain divisional with 7 division opponents and 2 cross-division opponents). I think Ohio and MIssouri St. would be solid additions with the 16th spot going to WKU or Delaware (I think WKU would have more interest in my opinion). All 3 add new states with only Delaware really expanding the footprint significantly if added.

In regards to another post I seen here about the loss of CCGs, I would be open to an idea for FB scheduling as a replacement for CCGs to have everyone play their 7 divisional opponents (or 6 if remaining at 14 teams and/or 8 conference games) and pairing off the top 2 teams in each division against each other as well as 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 (or 5-7) for the crossover games (1 division hosts 1 week, the other division hosts the other week). That guarantees the top teams play each other and provides a fair way to crown a conference champion on the field as the top 4 teams (top 2 in each division) will have played each other in the event of a tie. This may also help with SOS metrics to boost the champion try to get into the CFP.

UD enrollment: 24,564
WKU enrollment: 15,920

UD athletic budget: $37.5m
WKU athletic budget: $30m

UD endowment: $1.965b
WKU endowment: $305m

Delaware pop: 1,059,952
Bowling green, KY pop: 79,505

One is the state flagship the other is a very distant 3rd fiddle. I watched WKU get belted at home by Delaware in an empty stadium with only the marching band to witness last night.

FYI, According to Knight Newhouse report, Delaware's 2025 athletic budget was $69,556,084

https://knightnewhousedata.org/fcs/university-delaware

What could the Univ of Delaware possibly spend that much money on at their (our) level? That's not capital improvements.....that's mostly OPERATING expenses. I honestly don't know what they could spend it on?

(10-31-2026 07:06 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 06:14 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:38 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Since then , the MAC has had a defection got to PAC, Miami publicly flirting with the AAC, and Toledo fans also are seemingly interested in the PAC. Ohio has spoken to the SBC and if the new AD is doing their due diligence they've spoken to multiple conferences.

I think we are getting to the tail end of the MAC exodus rumors. Its been over two years now in advance of the next TV deal.

9/12/24: PAC-12 announces expansion with Boise St, Fresno St, Col St, SDSU
9/23/24: Memphis, UTSA, Tulane and South Florida turn down the PAC-12
9/26/24: Brett McMurphy reports NIU and Toledo talking with MWC.
10/1/24: UTEP accepts offer to join the MWC.
1/7/25: Northern Illinois accepts an offer to join the MWC.
6/30/25: Texas State announces a move to join the PAC-12
7/9/25: Ohio University reported to be talking to SBC.
7/15/25: Louisana Tech announces move to SBC.
2/9/26: North Dakota St. accepts invite to the MWC.
6/26/25: Greg Flugar reports Ohio & Toledo talking with PAC.
9/25/26: Brett McMurphy reports Miami University contacted the AC.
10/12/26: James Madison announces a move to the AC.
10/24/26: MAC Commissioner reporting TV deal all but signed off on.

Takeaways:

-All of this movement gets going two years ago with a PAC-12 decision to rebuild.

-Toledo FB only to MWC rumors were from two years ago under a different AD.

-Ohio to SBC rumors were to join a SBC with James Madision still in it.

-Both Ohio & Toledo had plenty of time to explore options.

Now as an Ohio fan what I'm hearing from the inside is that Miami is probably gone from the MAC with an invite by the end of November. I believe the MAC is waiting on this to finalize its TV deal. Ohio & Toledo I also believe are more interested in the AC right now than the SBC with both having an outside chance of getting into the AC.

What it sounds like so far (up to this point) that Ohio & Toledo will sign the new MAC TV contract and Miami will hit the road for the AC. It probably works until 2030 until more changes are announced. For sure something else could happen but if I had to put money on it this what I would put money on.

Good timeline. Thanks

Interesting about AC. Seems like Ohio would be a better cultural fit in the SBC tbh. I think the tide will turn again for the league.

Now I don't think AC or PAC is probable for Ohio or Toledo but I think their situation in realignment is more like where Marshall and App State are sitting and not Missouri St or Jacksonville St which would see the SBC as their ceiling.

Ohio isn't looking at a cultural fit as much as what will help them get into the playoffs. They just happen to be located at the intersection of the Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic so could slot into multiple regions.

They see their ceiling as high G6, playoff contender. The team is 6-2 and this is rebuilding year with new coach and no returning starters on offense.

Most wins in the G6 the last 5 seasons:

1. James Madison: 47 wins
2. Ohio: 46 wins
3. Tulane: 46 wins
4. Boise State: 45 wins
5. Memphis: 42 wins
6. Toledo: 42 wins

Number 2 in the G6 in wins under 4 different HCs and not really even playing up to potential. We've gone from averaging 8 wins a year to 10 wins a year since the transfer portal. Also 7 consecutive victories in bowl games and that is the G6 record.

This is why Ohio is thinking bigger than the SBC.

(10-31-2026 06:30 PM)HogDawg Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 03:33 PM)sigke Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 04:19 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 02:44 PM)GoBuckeyes1047 Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 01:52 PM)inutech Wrote:  But probably subtracts net dollars from each of our budgets.

Unless you think our media deal goes up per school and we earn extra tournament credits (as a result of these additions) and that each division saves enough on travel.

Which I'm skeptical of. I mean, it's possible. Any of that is possible. But it's not very likely.

Yeah, the only way I see adding 3 schools working is if the SBC is willing to follow the MAC and play 9 conference games (would remain divisional with 7 division opponents and 2 cross-division opponents). I think Ohio and MIssouri St. would be solid additions with the 16th spot going to WKU or Delaware (I think WKU would have more interest in my opinion). All 3 add new states with only Delaware really expanding the footprint significantly if added.

In regards to another post I seen here about the loss of CCGs, I would be open to an idea for FB scheduling as a replacement for CCGs to have everyone play their 7 divisional opponents (or 6 if remaining at 14 teams and/or 8 conference games) and pairing off the top 2 teams in each division against each other as well as 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 (or 5-7) for the crossover games (1 division hosts 1 week, the other division hosts the other week). That guarantees the top teams play each other and provides a fair way to crown a conference champion on the field as the top 4 teams (top 2 in each division) will have played each other in the event of a tie. This may also help with SOS metrics to boost the champion try to get into the CFP.

UD enrollment: 24,564
WKU enrollment: 15,920

UD athletic budget: $37.5m
WKU athletic budget: $30m

UD endowment: $1.965b
WKU endowment: $305m

Delaware pop: 1,059,952
Bowling green, KY pop: 79,505

One is the state flagship the other is a very distant 3rd fiddle. I watched WKU get belted at home by Delaware in an empty stadium with only the marching band to witness last night.

FYI, According to Knight Newhouse report, Delaware's 2025 athletic budget was $69,556,084

https://knightnewhousedata.org/fcs/university-delaware

What could the Univ of Delaware possibly spend that much money on at their (our) level? That's not capital improvements.....that's mostly OPERATING expenses. I honestly don't know what they could spend it on?

Underwater basketweaving?

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

(10-31-2026 04:26 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:51 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Again, I'm not wanting Delaware to be added as 14. But to not vet them would be beyond brain dead and a disservice to the conference.

all youse north of TN will form another 'alliance' once this all plays out....

geo-realignment ... it's inevitable...

Most of our alumna are in WV and all the states that the SBC East represents and also Florida. So I think we would be wise to stick around in the South East and Appalachia.

(10-31-2026 07:29 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:06 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 06:14 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:38 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Since then , the MAC has had a defection got to PAC, Miami publicly flirting with the AAC, and Toledo fans also are seemingly interested in the PAC. Ohio has spoken to the SBC and if the new AD is doing their due diligence they've spoken to multiple conferences.

I think we are getting to the tail end of the MAC exodus rumors. Its been over two years now in advance of the next TV deal.

9/12/24: PAC-12 announces expansion with Boise St, Fresno St, Col St, SDSU
9/23/24: Memphis, UTSA, Tulane and South Florida turn down the PAC-12
9/26/24: Brett McMurphy reports NIU and Toledo talking with MWC.
10/1/24: UTEP accepts offer to join the MWC.
1/7/25: Northern Illinois accepts an offer to join the MWC.
6/30/25: Texas State announces a move to join the PAC-12
7/9/25: Ohio University reported to be talking to SBC.
7/15/25: Louisana Tech announces move to SBC.
2/9/26: North Dakota St. accepts invite to the MWC.
6/26/25: Greg Flugar reports Ohio & Toledo talking with PAC.
9/25/26: Brett McMurphy reports Miami University contacted the AC.
10/12/26: James Madison announces a move to the AC.
10/24/26: MAC Commissioner reporting TV deal all but signed off on.

Takeaways:

-All of this movement gets going two years ago with a PAC-12 decision to rebuild.

-Toledo FB only to MWC rumors were from two years ago under a different AD.

-Ohio to SBC rumors were to join a SBC with James Madision still in it.

-Both Ohio & Toledo had plenty of time to explore options.

Now as an Ohio fan what I'm hearing from the inside is that Miami is probably gone from the MAC with an invite by the end of November. I believe the MAC is waiting on this to finalize its TV deal. Ohio & Toledo I also believe are more interested in the AC right now than the SBC with both having an outside chance of getting into the AC.

What it sounds like so far (up to this point) that Ohio & Toledo will sign the new MAC TV contract and Miami will hit the road for the AC. It probably works until 2030 until more changes are announced. For sure something else could happen but if I had to put money on it this what I would put money on.

Good timeline. Thanks

Interesting about AC. Seems like Ohio would be a better cultural fit in the SBC tbh. I think the tide will turn again for the league.

Now I don't think AC or PAC is probable for Ohio or Toledo but I think their situation in realignment is more like where Marshall and App State are sitting and not Missouri St or Jacksonville St which would see the SBC as their ceiling.

Ohio isn't looking at a cultural fit as much as what will help them get into the playoffs. They just happen to be located at the intersection of the Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic so could slot into multiple regions.

They see their ceiling as high G6, playoff contender. The team is 6-2 and this is rebuilding year with new coach and no returning starters on offense.

Most wins in the G6 the last 5 seasons:

1. James Madison: 47 wins
2. Ohio: 46 wins
3. Tulane: 46 wins
4. Boise State: 45 wins
5. Memphis: 42 wins
6. Toledo: 42 wins

Number 2 in the G6 in wins under 4 different HCs and not really even playing up to potential. We've gone from averaging 8 wins a year to 10 wins a year since the transfer portal. Also 7 consecutive victories in bowl games and that is the G6 record.

This is why Ohio is thinking bigger than the SBC.

No offense to the MAC but I do think you'd find that being in the SBC East would be a step up in week to week competition. Very capable schools still here but a few bad divisional hires along with JMU just being really good at the right time accelerated their pursuit to the league they have always wanted.

(10-31-2026 07:51 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:29 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:06 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 06:14 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 01:38 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Since then , the MAC has had a defection got to PAC, Miami publicly flirting with the AAC, and Toledo fans also are seemingly interested in the PAC. Ohio has spoken to the SBC and if the new AD is doing their due diligence they've spoken to multiple conferences.

I think we are getting to the tail end of the MAC exodus rumors. Its been over two years now in advance of the next TV deal.

9/12/24: PAC-12 announces expansion with Boise St, Fresno St, Col St, SDSU
9/23/24: Memphis, UTSA, Tulane and South Florida turn down the PAC-12
9/26/24: Brett McMurphy reports NIU and Toledo talking with MWC.
10/1/24: UTEP accepts offer to join the MWC.
1/7/25: Northern Illinois accepts an offer to join the MWC.
6/30/25: Texas State announces a move to join the PAC-12
7/9/25: Ohio University reported to be talking to SBC.
7/15/25: Louisana Tech announces move to SBC.
2/9/26: North Dakota St. accepts invite to the MWC.
6/26/25: Greg Flugar reports Ohio & Toledo talking with PAC.
9/25/26: Brett McMurphy reports Miami University contacted the AC.
10/12/26: James Madison announces a move to the AC.
10/24/26: MAC Commissioner reporting TV deal all but signed off on.

Takeaways:

-All of this movement gets going two years ago with a PAC-12 decision to rebuild.

-Toledo FB only to MWC rumors were from two years ago under a different AD.

-Ohio to SBC rumors were to join a SBC with James Madision still in it.

-Both Ohio & Toledo had plenty of time to explore options.

Now as an Ohio fan what I'm hearing from the inside is that Miami is probably gone from the MAC with an invite by the end of November. I believe the MAC is waiting on this to finalize its TV deal. Ohio & Toledo I also believe are more interested in the AC right now than the SBC with both having an outside chance of getting into the AC.

What it sounds like so far (up to this point) that Ohio & Toledo will sign the new MAC TV contract and Miami will hit the road for the AC. It probably works until 2030 until more changes are announced. For sure something else could happen but if I had to put money on it this what I would put money on.

Good timeline. Thanks

Interesting about AC. Seems like Ohio would be a better cultural fit in the SBC tbh. I think the tide will turn again for the league.

Now I don't think AC or PAC is probable for Ohio or Toledo but I think their situation in realignment is more like where Marshall and App State are sitting and not Missouri St or Jacksonville St which would see the SBC as their ceiling.

Ohio isn't looking at a cultural fit as much as what will help them get into the playoffs. They just happen to be located at the intersection of the Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic so could slot into multiple regions.

They see their ceiling as high G6, playoff contender. The team is 6-2 and this is rebuilding year with new coach and no returning starters on offense.

Most wins in the G6 the last 5 seasons:

1. James Madison: 47 wins
2. Ohio: 46 wins
3. Tulane: 46 wins
4. Boise State: 45 wins
5. Memphis: 42 wins
6. Toledo: 42 wins

Number 2 in the G6 in wins under 4 different HCs and not really even playing up to potential. We've gone from averaging 8 wins a year to 10 wins a year since the transfer portal. Also 7 consecutive victories in bowl games and that is the G6 record.

This is why Ohio is thinking bigger than the SBC.

No offense to the MAC but I do think you'd find that being in the SBC East would be a step up in week to week competition. Very capable schools still here but a few bad divisional hires along with JMU just being really good at the right time accelerated their pursuit to the league they have always wanted.

I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

(10-31-2026 08:03 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

SBC might be a downgrade for Ohio in terms of a conference tournament location, but it’s not a downgrade performance wise. Here is the NET conference ratings the last 5 years:

2025-26: MAC (17) - SBC (20)
2024-25: SBC (20) - MAC (23)
2023-24: SBC (17) - MAC (23)
2022-23: SBC (14) - MAC (19)
2021-22: SBC (17) - MAC (20)

(10-31-2026 08:48 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 08:03 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

SBC might be a downgrade for Ohio in terms of a conference tournament location, but it’s not a downgrade performance wise. Here is the NET conference ratings the last 5 years:

2025-26: MAC (17) - SBC (20)
2024-25: SBC (20) - MAC (23)
2023-24: SBC (17) - MAC (23)
2022-23: SBC (14) - MAC (19)
2021-22: SBC (17) - MAC (20)

They are leaving a 1 bid hoops league for another 1 bid hoops league. Nothing in the grand scheme...Whoopty doo

But...their putrid baseball program gets to just waltz into a power conference...

(10-31-2026 08:48 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 08:03 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

SBC might be a downgrade for Ohio in terms of a conference tournament location, but it’s not a downgrade performance wise. Here is the NET conference ratings the last 5 years:

2025-26: MAC (17) - SBC (20)
2024-25: SBC (20) - MAC (23)
2023-24: SBC (17) - MAC (23)
2022-23: SBC (14) - MAC (19)
2021-22: SBC (17) - MAC (20)

A one bid league is a one bid league.

Would you rather split that one bid between 14 or 16 schools or would you want to split it between 11? The MAC is already playing a double round robin BB schedule this year.

MAC is as good as it gets for Ohio from a mid-major BB perspective. You've got Ohio, Kent, Akron and Bowling Green all with a big presence in Cleveland. Buffalo and the Michigan schools are only a few hours away and now UMass is in the conference.

Miami ironically up until the last two years has been a non-factor in MAC BB for a very long time. Them leaving the MAC doesn't hurt too much IMO.

(10-31-2026 08:03 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:51 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:29 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 07:06 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 06:14 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  I think we are getting to the tail end of the MAC exodus rumors. Its been over two years now in advance of the next TV deal.

9/12/24: PAC-12 announces expansion with Boise St, Fresno St, Col St, SDSU
9/23/24: Memphis, UTSA, Tulane and South Florida turn down the PAC-12
9/26/24: Brett McMurphy reports NIU and Toledo talking with MWC.
10/1/24: UTEP accepts offer to join the MWC.
1/7/25: Northern Illinois accepts an offer to join the MWC.
6/30/25: Texas State announces a move to join the PAC-12
7/9/25: Ohio University reported to be talking to SBC.
7/15/25: Louisana Tech announces move to SBC.
2/9/26: North Dakota St. accepts invite to the MWC.
6/26/25: Greg Flugar reports Ohio & Toledo talking with PAC.
9/25/26: Brett McMurphy reports Miami University contacted the AC.
10/12/26: James Madison announces a move to the AC.
10/24/26: MAC Commissioner reporting TV deal all but signed off on.

Takeaways:

-All of this movement gets going two years ago with a PAC-12 decision to rebuild.

-Toledo FB only to MWC rumors were from two years ago under a different AD.

-Ohio to SBC rumors were to join a SBC with James Madision still in it.

-Both Ohio & Toledo had plenty of time to explore options.

Now as an Ohio fan what I'm hearing from the inside is that Miami is probably gone from the MAC with an invite by the end of November. I believe the MAC is waiting on this to finalize its TV deal. Ohio & Toledo I also believe are more interested in the AC right now than the SBC with both having an outside chance of getting into the AC.

What it sounds like so far (up to this point) that Ohio & Toledo will sign the new MAC TV contract and Miami will hit the road for the AC. It probably works until 2030 until more changes are announced. For sure something else could happen but if I had to put money on it this what I would put money on.

Good timeline. Thanks

Interesting about AC. Seems like Ohio would be a better cultural fit in the SBC tbh. I think the tide will turn again for the league.

Now I don't think AC or PAC is probable for Ohio or Toledo but I think their situation in realignment is more like where Marshall and App State are sitting and not Missouri St or Jacksonville St which would see the SBC as their ceiling.

Ohio isn't looking at a cultural fit as much as what will help them get into the playoffs. They just happen to be located at the intersection of the Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic so could slot into multiple regions.

They see their ceiling as high G6, playoff contender. The team is 6-2 and this is rebuilding year with new coach and no returning starters on offense.

Most wins in the G6 the last 5 seasons:

1. James Madison: 47 wins
2. Ohio: 46 wins
3. Tulane: 46 wins
4. Boise State: 45 wins
5. Memphis: 42 wins
6. Toledo: 42 wins

Number 2 in the G6 in wins under 4 different HCs and not really even playing up to potential. We've gone from averaging 8 wins a year to 10 wins a year since the transfer portal. Also 7 consecutive victories in bowl games and that is the G6 record.

This is why Ohio is thinking bigger than the SBC.

No offense to the MAC but I do think you'd find that being in the SBC East would be a step up in week to week competition. Very capable schools still here but a few bad divisional hires along with JMU just being really good at the right time accelerated their pursuit to the league they have always wanted.

I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

It only improves national standing if Ohio is well positioned to compete at the top of those leagues year over year. If you're a middling program there, there is no national standing in the G6.

If you go undefeated or even 1 loss to say a power league school, you'd still be a national contender as a SBC East school. The issue is that SBC schools typically beat each other up and have a high degree of parity. If you break through however like JMU was able to and build a nice OOC, you can absolutely still be a national contender. It would also help if other capable members get back on track to boost your standing. But if Ohio has the internal resources to consistently be there, they could be a national contender anywhere tbh with proper scheduling.

Time will tell, but I think JMU could've been better off competitivly YOY on a national stage here with superior financial resources compared to league opponents. But they are also an outlier because their University wanted to be aligned with the AC on a holistic scale for years far beyond their time with the SBC.

(10-31-2026 09:17 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 08:48 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 08:03 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  I agree the SBC East would be tougher but that would be the entire point to improve national standing for the playoff.

Now if the SBC East was to add Toledo & Ohio you would pretty much be getting the PAC East at that point. But I don't think the SBC wants to go that direction of 16 with two Ohio schools. I would place that option being about equal as staying the MAC because the MAC is a better BB conference for Ohio fans with a large presence up in Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But just ourselves moving to the SBC would be a downgrade from staying in a MAC without Miami and splitting the BB autobid 11 ways. Slight upgrade in FB but substantial downgrade in BB. Its just not going to have the votes with the Ohio BOT I'm afraid.

SBC might be a downgrade for Ohio in terms of a conference tournament location, but it’s not a downgrade performance wise. Here is the NET conference ratings the last 5 years:

2025-26: MAC (17) - SBC (20)
2024-25: SBC (20) - MAC (23)
2023-24: SBC (17) - MAC (23)
2022-23: SBC (14) - MAC (19)
2021-22: SBC (17) - MAC (20)

They are leaving a 1 bid hoops league for another 1 bid hoops league. Nothing in the grand scheme...Whoopty doo

But...their putrid baseball program gets to just waltz into a power conference...

Power Conference for Baseball and Soccer.