Louisiana Tech Accepts Invitation to Join Sun Belt Conference by 2027

Louisiana Tech University has officially accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference no later than July 1, 2027, following a unanimous vote by the conference's Board of Directors. This move reunites Louisiana Tech with regional rivals such as Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Southern Miss, aiming to reduce travel burdens, enhance fan engagement, and strengthen recruiting and alumni relations. Louisiana Tech will replace Texas State, which is departing for the Pac-12 in 2026, and will become the Sun Belt's 14th full-time member. The university competes in 16 varsity sports and will participate in all Sun Belt-sponsored sports except women’s bowling. Conference and university leaders emphasized that this alignment supports the conference’s commitment to regional rivalries, geographic fit, and competitive excellence, positioning the Sun Belt as a rising force in NCAA non-autonomy football. Louisiana Tech was previously a member of the Sun Belt from 1991 to 2001 and views this move as a strategic advancement for its athletics programs and student-athletes.