Liberty is “likely” to be added to Conference USA as an all-sports member alongside fellow FBS Independent New Mexico State and FCS members Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State with an official announcement that could happen by the end of the week, Brett McMurphy reports.
Conference USA has been raided by other Group of Five FBS conferences in recent weeks losing as many as 11 of its 14 members. Six schools have left for the American Athletic Conference with three others departing for the Sun Belt. Rumors have been swirling about CUSA members Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee possibly heading to the MAC over the weekend.
If WKU and MTSU depart, it would leave CUSA with only three remaining members in UTEP, Louisiana Tech, and Florida International. Liberty, NMSU, Jacksonville State, and Sam Houston State would bring the league back up to seven members with other additions likely. If WKU and MTSU remain in the CUSA, they could stand pat with the nine members.
Liberty and New Mexico State made news a few years ago as the two FBS Independent programs played in-season home and home football series as the Flames made the move to the FBS ranks to help fill out their schedules. Jacksonville State recently made the switch to the ASUN where they are in their first athletic year of competition for all other sports alongside Liberty.
No NO!! Teams are leaving for reason people. This is bad move for Liberty. So bad!!
I love this move! This will give the guys a conference championship to play for plus access to more bowls. This should be better for recruiting. I just think it’s a win all the way around! What a terrific week for the Flames! See y’all on the Grove!