Louisiana Tech, CUSA reach resolution; Bulldogs will join Sun Belt in 2026

TL;DR

Louisiana Tech will leave Conference USA to join the Sun Belt in the 2026-27 academic year. The transition is set for July 2026, as CUSA adjusts to losing two teams.

Key points

Louisiana Tech will join the Sun Belt in 2026-27
CUSA will have 10 teams after Louisiana Tech and UTEP leave
Louisiana Tech's 2026 schedule includes eight Sun Belt games

Louisiana Tech BulldogsConference USASun BeltUTEP

Nov 15, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs helmet sits during a game against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images The custody battle over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs is finally over. Conference USA announced on Monday, Apr. 27 that it reached a resolution with Louisiana Tech, allowing the Bulldogs to exit the conference for the Sun Belt for the 2026-27 academic year. The move will transpire in July. “Conference USA is pleased to have reached a positive resolution with Louisiana Tech that fully acknowledges our governing documents,” the league issued in a statement. “We look forward to continued success and impact in the national landscape, driven by the collective strength and shared vision of our 10 member institutions.” As displayed toward the end of the statement, the CUSA will move forward with 10 member institutions in 2026, as it will officially lose UTEP to the Mountain West and Louisiana Tech to the Sun Belt this summer. Meanwhile, the Sun Belt reverts back to 14 members, replenishing the departed Texas State with Louisiana Tech. Both the CUSA and Sun Belt included Louisiana Tech on their 2026 football schedules. The CUSA released its schedule at 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 12 and the Sun Belt followed suit with its schedule release Friday, Mar. 13. However, the CUSA will have to revise and re-release its schedule — an instance which also occurred in 2022 when Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss fled the league in favor of the Sun Belt. Louisiana Tech’s official 2026 football schedule, which includes eight Sun Belt conference matchups, is as follows:

Q&A

Why is Louisiana Tech leaving Conference USA?

Louisiana Tech is leaving Conference USA to join the Sun Belt, following a resolution that acknowledges the governing documents of both conferences.

What will Louisiana Tech's 2026 football schedule look like?

Louisiana Tech's 2026 football schedule includes eight Sun Belt conference matchups and notable games against LSU and Baylor.

How many teams will Conference USA have after Louisiana Tech's departure?

After Louisiana Tech's departure, Conference USA will have 10 member institutions starting in 2026.

Week	Saturday Date	Opponent
1	Sept. 5	vs. Northwestern State (FCS)\*
2	Sept. 12	at LSU\*
3	Sept. 19	at Baylor\*
4	Sept. 26	BYE
5	Oct. 3	vs. Army\*
6	Oct. 10	vs. Louisiana
7	Oct. 17	at ULM
8	Oct. 24	vs. Old Dominion
9	Oct. 31	at South Alabama
10	Nov. 7	at Troy
11	Nov. 14	vs. Southern Miss
12	Nov. 21	vs. Arkansas State [Thu or Fri or Sat]
13	Nov. 28	st Georgia Southern
14	Dec. 5	Sun Belt Championship Game [Fri]
\ denotes non-conference game*

Louisiana Tech, CUSA reach resolution; Bulldogs will join Sun Belt in 2026

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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