Sun Belt Football

Guide Note:

In 2001, the Sun Belt Conference, which had been known mostly as a successful 'mid-major' college basketball conference, decided to get into the big-time football business. With the addition that season of Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, and North Texas to the league, the Sun Belt held its first formal football season. Today, the league has eight playing members, and will grow to 10 in the next few years with the addition of Western Kentucky University in 2009 and the University of South Alabama in 2013. The league was actually formed back in 1976, and after previously being headquartered in both Charlotte and Tampa, has been run out of New Orleans since 2000.

Fast Facts:

1. Established: 1976
2. First football season: 2001
3. Current Commissioner: Wright Waters
4. Members: 8 (10 by 2013
5. Defending champion: Troy University
6. Home Office: New Orleans, LA
7. Bowl Affiliation: New Orleans Bowl

Eight is Enough - for now

The league currently has these eight schools playing football in the conference: Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana at Monroe, Middle Tennessee State, North Texas, and Troy.