I have no idea if JU is being considered for the SoCon. However, I do not find the idea to be so far fetched.

Location - Jacksonville is closer to Charleston than to Macon or Ft. Myers. It would also bring the 2nd largest media/population market of the current SoCon members. (Davidson/Charlotte is #1). I am very sure that schools like Furman and Davidson recruit Jacksonville high schools vigorously.

Baseball - Although experiencing a tough season and a half, JU has been to the tournament 7 of the previous 10 years. They have 4 ASC titles since 2006. They will have a new coach in 2014.

Football - 2 Pioneer League titles and a 27-5 conference record in the last 4 years. They will be a favorite to win the 2013 title and with it an automatic bid the FSC play-offs. They finished ranked #22 in the FSC two years ago.

Basketball - 2 conference regular season titles and 3 post-season appearances in the last 5 years.

Lacrosse - Both men's and women's have been competitive since their inception a few years ago. Both are in position to win their respective league's this year. JU hosts a early season tournament at Everbank Field. Past participants have included Notre Dame, Georgetown, Ohio St and Denver. It has drawn 8k-12k in attendance.

Women's Track - Has won like 8 straight ASC titles

On the down-side, which is significant

Endowment - JU ranks very low, and may be at the very bottom of potential SoCon schools.

Enrollment - JU has approximately 3700 students. Not ideal but certainly not a deal breaker given the enrollment of other SoCon schools.

Facilities - Other than Baseball/Softball/Soccer and the Jacksonville Memorial Arena for BB, JU's facilities are sub-standard.

Scholarship Football - Is a huge expense, however Jacksonville is a football city. The city embracing FSC football would go a long way in making it happen. The chicken before the egg, may be too much of a risk for the Trustee's.

The biggest X factor is JU's new President (former JU baseball player) a new AD, and a recently unveiled $83ml Capital Campaign (half of which that has been raised). Included in it are a football stadium/athletic complex and a BB/Volleyball practice facility. If this campaign was completely funded and these facilities underway I would be somewhat optimistic that the SoCon would be at the very least interested.