I'm having a hard time seeing a path for continued existence for the MEAC. Let's say somehow they get Virginia State to move up. Then what? That still only puts them at 9 members overall, 7 for football. Every legacy member is going to still be looking for a way out. Howard should have a good shot at the CAA, Patriot, or at least the NEC. Del. State is looking at the NEC. Surely, Norfolk State, NCCU, and SC State are looking at the ASUN and/or the Big South. Why would any of that change if Va. State joins?

As someone else has said, unlike the case with the WAC a little under a decade ago, there is no Great West upon which to reload with members. Nor is there a list if D2 schools who'd be willing to jump onto a sinking ship.