Southland Conference: A Comprehensive Overview of the NCAA Division I Association
The Southland Conference is a prominent NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association operating within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Frisco, Texas, the conference serves as a competitive hub for institutions primarily located in the West South Central region of the United States. Under the leadership of Commissioner Chris Grant, who took office in 2022, the conference continues to evolve its membership and athletic offerings.
The association is characterized by its strong presence in Texas and Louisiana, fostering intense regional rivalries and a commitment to both athletic excellence and academic achievement. With a broadcasting partnership through ESPN, the Southland Conference ensures its athletes and teams gain significant visibility on a national stage.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1963
- Division: NCAA Division I (FCS subdivision)
- Headquarters: Frisco, Texas
- Current Commissioner: Chris Grant (since 2022)
- Number of Teams: 12 full members
- Sports Fielded: 18 total (8 men's, 10 women's)
- Primary Broadcaster: ESPN
Member Institutions and Academic Profiles
The Southland Conference comprises a diverse array of public and private institutions. These schools vary in size and focus, ranging from high-research doctoral universities to specialized masters programs. The membership includes a mix of public state universities and faith-based institutions, such as the Baptist-affiliated Houston Christian University and the Catholic University of the Incarnate Word.
Current Full Members
The current roster of 12 member schools includes several long-standing participants and recent additions. Notable recent movements include the return of Stephen F. Austin State University and the addition of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2024.
| Institution | Location | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Joined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Texas A&M University | Commerce, TX | Public | 10,785 | Lions | 2022 |
| Houston Christian University | Houston, TX | Baptist | 4,693 | Huskies | 2013 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, TX | Catholic | 9,191 | Cardinals | 2013 |
| Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | Public | 18,050 | Cardinals | 1963/1999/2022 |
| LSU New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Public | 8,151 | Privateers | 2013 |
| McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | Public | 7,648 | Cowboys/girls | 1972 |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | Public | 6,366 | Colonels | 1991 |
| Northwestern State University | Natchitoches, LA | Public | 8,847 | Demons | 1987 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | Public | 14,440 | Lions | 1997 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | Public | 11,178 | Lumberjacks | 1987/2024 |
| Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi, TX | Public | 12,174 | Islanders | 2006 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Public | 32,419 | Vaqueros | 2024 |
Athletic Programs and Facilities
The conference sponsors a wide variety of sports, ensuring a comprehensive collegiate experience for its student-athletes. The sports are divided between men's and women's offerings, with a strong emphasis on basketball, track and field, and football.
Sports Sponsorship
- Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, and Tennis.
- Women's Sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
- Shared Sports: Track and Field (both Indoor and Outdoor).
Facilities within the conference vary significantly in capacity. For instance, McNeese State's Cowboy Stadium leads in football capacity at 17,610, while Lamar University's Montagne Center provides a massive venue for basketball with a capacity of 10,080. Other institutions, such as LSU New Orleans and Texas A&M Corpus Christi, do not field football teams.
Financials and Revenue
Athletic spending and revenue vary across the member institutions. Based on 2023–24 data, the University of the Incarnate Word leads the conference in total athletic revenue, followed closely by Stephen F. Austin and Lamar University. These financial metrics reflect the varying scales of athletic departments and their respective funding models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which division of the NCAA does the Southland Conference belong to?
The Southland Conference is a member of NCAA Division I, specifically within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Who is the current commissioner of the Southland Conference?
Chris Grant has served as the commissioner of the conference since 2022.
How many sports does the conference field?
The conference fields 18 sports in total, consisting of 8 men's sports and 10 women's sports.
Where is the Southland Conference headquartered?
The conference headquarters are located in Frisco, Texas.
Which member school has the largest student enrollment?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has the largest enrollment among current members, with 32,419 students.