Conference realignment is always a topic of conversation in college athletics nowadays.
James Madison will leave the Sun Belt Conference and move to the American Conference, the school announced Monday, Oct. 12.
“The American Conference is the right home for James Madison University, academically, competitively, and geographically. This conference is where our academic peers compete, they have a shared vision for the future, it's where our alumni live and work, and where our student-athletes will thrive," James Madison Board of Visitors rector Dave Rexrode said in a statement.
Conference realignments always have trickle-down effects.
The Dukes' move to
the AAC could affect Missouri State down the line.
James Madison will join the AAC no later than July 1, 2028. The Dukes will be departing the Sun Belt Conference, a league they have been part of since 2023.
The Sun Belt Conference has previously plucked teams from Conference USA, the league Missouri State competes in.
Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Old Dominion and Southern Miss are all former CUSA members currently competing in the Sun Belt.
It’s only fair to speculate that Missouri State’s league could be changing. All eyes will be on the two biggest brands — Liberty and Western Kentucky — as contenders to jump ship.
The Hilltoppers were part of the Sun Belt from 2009-2013 before moving to CUSA in 2014. The Flames joined CUSA in 2023 after participating in the Big South from 1991-2018 and the ASUN from 2018-2023.
Conference USA may not even be plucked with other teams eager to leave their league, like Miami University in Ohio.
The fact is that James Madison will be leaving the Sun Belt and the effects of the move could involve Missouri State's conference opponents down the line.
Last week, Conference USA commissioner Judy MacLeod spoke to reporters during halftime of Missouri State’s road game against Western Kentucky. Bowling Green Daily News asked MacLeod about conference realignment.
“We’ve got a great group right now that’s trying to build together,” MacLeod said. “We’re always looking to see how we could grow and we’re focused on that right now. I can’t predict the future, but I feel good about our group.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: James Madison is leaving the Sun Belt, could it affect Missouri State?
