Oh come on KittonHead, expand your horizons and join w the SunBelt. I think you'll be very pleased that you did and we'll be proud to have you fellas join us.

(10-31-2026 10:42 PM)GreenBison Wrote:  

(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.

This is true

(10-31-2026 10:30 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

(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:  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.

When I look at the Sagarin Ratings I don't see that much difference between the SBC and MAC. SBC is consistently better but it the gap between the SBC and CUSA seems to be closing.

Good FB
SEC 84.21
B1G 79.95
XII 77.18
ACC 74.59

Decent FB
PAC 64.74
AC 62.16

Bad FB
SBC East 59.26
MWC 58.27
SBC West 57.53
CUSA 55.42
MAC 53.53

SBC is still a bad FB conference. Its ahead of CUSA but half of CUSA is brand new programs. Over time will SBC & CUSA become equal in strength?

The MAC is the worst but it will be easier for them to revert to the mean of the G6 than for the SBC to continue to improve.

Even the PAC and AC over time will find it difficult to maintain an edge over the other G6 conferences. Losses pile up for those at the bottom, they fire their staff's and lose ground to everyone else.

Number of teams rated in the Top 100..

AC 8
SBC 5
PAC 4
MWC 4
MAC 3
CUSA 1

This says SBC has more depth at the top than PAC/MWC.

There is a real question of whether any these G6 moves will make a difference long term, particularly when money will spread the talent around.

(10-31-2026 10:43 PM)FreeBirdJohnnyReb Wrote:  Oh come on KittonHead, expand your horizons and join w the SunBelt. I think you'll be very pleased that you did and we'll be proud to have you fellas join us.

(10-31-2026 11:51 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 10:30 PM)TealNation Wrote:  

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

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

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

When I look at the Sagarin Ratings I don't see that much difference between the SBC and MAC. SBC is consistently better but it the gap between the SBC and CUSA seems to be closing.

Good FB
SEC 84.21
B1G 79.95
XII 77.18
ACC 74.59

Decent FB
PAC 64.74
AC 62.16

Bad FB
SBC East 59.26
MWC 58.27
SBC West 57.53
CUSA 55.42
MAC 53.53

SBC is still a bad FB conference. Its ahead of CUSA but half of CUSA is brand new programs. Over time will SBC & CUSA become equal in strength?

The MAC is the worst but it will be easier for them to revert to the mean of the G6 than for the SBC to continue to improve.

Even the PAC and AC over time will find it difficult to maintain an edge over the other G6 conferences. Losses pile up for those at the bottom, they fire their staff's and lose ground to everyone else.

Number of teams rated in the Top 100..

AC 8
SBC 5
PAC 4
MWC 4
MAC 3
CUSA 1

This says SBC has more depth at the top than PAC/MWC.

There is a real question of whether any these G6 moves will make a difference long term, particularly when money will spread the talent around.

More about who your admin wants to be aligned with. JMU always wanted to be in the AC and only joined the SBC to get there. They are hoping this will get them into thr ACC. They are very ambitious and aggressive right now to capitalize on success. Can't blame them.

But the SBC is essentially 2 conferences in one.

Only 2 cross divisional football matchups. If the league were to in fact go to 16, it will be only be 1 crossover. They could essentially move closer towards that fabled "East Coast" league and consolidate a grouping of schools they want their own "leagues" to look like. That could include Delaware or perhaps Ohio. We'll see how things go down the line but that could also include ECU and perhaps even a JMU return.

As far as OOC, Coastal has Delaware scheduled and just signed a long term deal with ECU, so we are essentially already there from a scheduling format.

It’s simple add Liberty and be done ! I don’t care for them but it’s the best option to replace JMU

(11-01-2026 09:27 AM)goherd17 Wrote:  It’s simple add Liberty and be done ! I don’t care for them but it’s the best option to replace JMU

I tend to agree! If Liberty doesn't have the votes from the SBC Presidents, then it likely comes down to WKU or JSU.

Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

What does Charlotte add, besides an instate nobody bodybag game? They are terrible imho

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

(11-01-2026 10:57 AM)hannibalDawg Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

What does Charlotte add, besides an instate nobody bodybag game? They are terrible imho

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

A lot of App people live in Charlotte area and would be another home game for them. No real appeal for anyone else.

(11-01-2026 09:27 AM)goherd17 Wrote:  It’s simple add Liberty and be done ! I don’t care for them but it’s the best option to replace JMU

Liberty is such the obvious choice it is a "no brainer." But, perhaps, they have been approached and have not expressed an interest in leaving CUSA for the Belt. Would be embarrassing for the Belt to make LU an offer and get publicly turned down. All such matters will be handled behind closed doors for that very reason.

If it turns out to be Ohio or someone else, that is fine too. But the same question comes up, is Ohio really interested in leaving the MAC, which has been a very stable league for so many years.

(11-01-2026 12:21 PM)Tech80 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:27 AM)goherd17 Wrote:  It’s simple add Liberty and be done ! I don’t care for them but it’s the best option to replace JMU

Liberty is such the obvious choice it is a "no brainer." But, perhaps, they have been approached and have not expressed an interest in leaving CUSA for the Belt. Would be embarrassing for the Belt to make LU an offer and get publicly turned down. All such matters will be handled behind closed doors for that very reason.

If it turns out to be Ohio or someone else, that is fine too. But the same question comes up, is Ohio really interested in leaving the MAC, which has been a very stable league for so many years.

100 times no.

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

I got:
East Picks #1 Ohio, #2 Delaware, distant #3 Liberty
West Picks #1 Missouri State

No other current CUSA/MAC pass the smell test. Would want to split of if any others got in.

(11-01-2026 12:21 PM)Tech80 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:27 AM)goherd17 Wrote:  It’s simple add Liberty and be done ! I don’t care for them but it’s the best option to replace JMU

Liberty is such the obvious choice it is a "no brainer." But, perhaps, they have been approached and have not expressed an interest in leaving CUSA for the Belt. Would be embarrassing for the Belt to make LU an offer and get publicly turned down. All such matters will be handled behind closed doors for that very reason.

If it turns out to be Ohio or someone else, that is fine too. But the same question comes up, is Ohio really interested in leaving the MAC, which has been a very stable league for so many years.

Don't get it twisted, Liberty turning down the SBC would be solely about pride and prior history. It makes logical sense for their programs to want to pair with Delaware to be in a league with ODU, Marshall, App State, and Coastal.

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

Charlotte? I thought you wanted the East Division to be Competitive?

(11-01-2026 01:00 PM)TealNation Wrote:  Don't get it twisted, Liberty turning down the SBC would be solely about pride and prior history. It makes logical sense for their programs to want to pair with Delaware to be in a league with ODU, Marshall, App State, and Coastal.

It's an upgrade for Liberty's brand. CUSA's reputation in the media is not very good. Liberty is the only program that brings some national relevance to CUSA.

Liberty being in a division with App State, Marshall, Coastal Carolina, and Old Dominion would be a brand boost for them.

I personally would enjoy watching Liberty vs App State. It'd be some great football. Or Liberty @ Marshall. And of course ODU vs. Liberty would just be nasty.

(11-01-2026 02:08 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

Charlotte? I thought you wanted the East Division to be Competitive?

I do, but App is losing a rival in James Madison. We'd add one with Charlotte. It's also an easy place for a lot of our fans to travel to.

(11-01-2026 02:24 PM)Yosef181 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:08 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

Charlotte? I thought you wanted the East Division to be Competitive?

I do, but App is losing a rival in James Madison. We'd add one with Charlotte. It's also an easy place for a lot of our fans to travel to.

That's like having a rivalry with a DII school.

(11-01-2026 02:30 PM)GreenBison Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:24 PM)Yosef181 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:08 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

Charlotte? I thought you wanted the East Division to be Competitive?

I do, but App is losing a rival in James Madison. We'd add one with Charlotte. It's also an easy place for a lot of our fans to travel to.

That's like having a rivalry with a DII school.

We did have one with Western Carolina for a long time.

(11-01-2026 02:32 PM)Yosef181 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:30 PM)GreenBison Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:24 PM)Yosef181 Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 02:08 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 09:37 AM)Yosef181 Wrote:  Ohio is the only option that would excite me as much as James Madison, unless Brett McMurphy knows something that no one else does and we are able to add East Carolina or Charlotte.

Delaware is my #2, WKU #3. Liberty is at the bottom.

Charlotte? I thought you wanted the East Division to be Competitive?

I do, but App is losing a rival in James Madison. We'd add one with Charlotte. It's also an easy place for a lot of our fans to travel to.

That's like having a rivalry with a DII school.

We did have one with Western Carolina for a long time.

I once got to be the ball boy at a Marshall vs Western Carolina game back in the day. Our coach was Sonny Randall, I learned a lot of new cuss words that day.