![]() ![]() ![]() "We are honored to have been invited and to accept an invitation from the Ohio Valley Conference as we transition to Division I athletics-the highest level of athletic play. "This is an important day for USI and for our athletic programs," said USI President Ronald S. Although USI may be eligible for conference championships during the four-year transition, it would not be eligible for NCAA championships. USI would begin competing in the Ohio Valley Conference at the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year and would leave the GLVC at the end of this academic year. Upon acceptance, the transition process takes four years to complete. The partnership allows the University to move forward with reclassification in the NCAA prior to a June 1 deadline. Southland football members include Houston Baptist University (Houston, Texas), University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas), McNeese State University (Lake Charles, La.), Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, La.), Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, La.), Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond, La.), and Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, Texas).On Wednesday, February 9, the University of Southern Indiana accepted an invitation to join the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) as it's Division I partner. OVC football members include Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, Ill.), Murray State University (Murray, Ky.), Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, Mo.), Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.), Tennessee Technological University (Cookeville, Tenn.), and the University of Tennessee at Martin (Martin, Tenn.). ![]() Additionally, the Southland has served as the host conference for the successful NCAA Division I FCS Championship Game in its home base of Frisco, Texas, since 2011. We all appreciate the strong level of interest and cooperation between our two leagues.” The two Conferences have combined for four FCS National Championships and more than 100 playoff wins since the subdivision was formed in 1978. “The Southland presidents and athletic directors have found this to be an exciting competitive opportunity with their OVC peers, and we all look forward to some outstanding and meaningful FCS crossover games during the next two seasons. “We greatly anticipate the possibilities of a beneficial partnership with the Ohio Valley Conference,” said Burnett. Given the changing Division I landscape, this demonstrates ways that conferences can collaborate to support one another.” This partnership strengthens not only both football leagues, but the FCS overall with quality non-conference matchups. “We are delighted to work together to promote one another and provide a quality student-athlete experience. “Our Presidents, Chancellors and Athletic Directors have enthusiastically supported this alliance,” said DeBauche. ![]() More specific details, including game matchups in 20, will be announced at a later date. Both the OVC and Southland have longstanding ESPN broadcast agreements. In addition to providing quality Division I FCS non-conference matchups, the alliance will allow increased visibility, exposure and branding for each Conference. The planned collaboration will see institutions from each conference fill available non-conference dates on schedules in the next two years with a focus toward competitive balance and reasonable travel. OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche and Southland Commissioner Tom Burnett made the joint announcement Monday. BRENTWOOD, TN and FRISCO, TX (SOUTHLAND) - The Ohio Valley Conference and Southland Conference have announced plans for a football scheduling alliance between the two NCAA Division I FCS leagues in the 20 seasons. ![]()
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