Schools make moves, usually individually. This is an unusual situation where the long established Texas football schools have decided to leave the SLC. It is a decision driven by the ADs and Presidents, essentially to break with the SLC leadership (which they must have deep irrevocable differences with -- such that the SLC is trying to push them out this June with no lame duck year the Texas schools propose) and with the Louisiana schools, whom they have lost confidence with.

But for UTRGV to start football it requires additional constituencies to buy in and pony up significant money. UTRGV in fact had a study of D-I football where the conclusion was FBS possibly makes sense (i.e., the route Old Dominion, Charlotte and Texas-San Antonio went) but starting an FCS program does not -- when you figure in stadium and other facility requirements for a start up. To start an FCS program would need another study, a commitment from donors and a facilities plan and timeline. It seems a few bridges too far.