(BCSNN) — The Sun Belt Conference has officially extended an invitation to Louisiana Tech University to join the league as its 14th member, replacing Texas State, which is set to depart for the Pac-12 in 2026. The move marks a return for the Bulldogs, who were previously affiliated with the Sun Belt from 1991 to 2001. The invitation, approved unanimously by Sun Belt CEOs on Monday morning, signals another significant shift in the ongoing reshaping of college athletics.

Louisiana Tech currently competes in Conference USA, where it has been a member since 2013. While the Bulldogs have enjoyed moderate success in C-USA — including two West Division titles in football and multiple postseason appearances in basketball and baseball — the league has struggled to maintain stability amid repeated membership losses. The perception of Conference USA has diminished in recent years, with critics citing geographic sprawl and limited media exposure as key challenges. The conference is expected to remain at 10 members following Tech’s departure, though officials have not ruled out future expansion.

The Sun Belt, by contrast, has emerged as one of the most competitive and geographically cohesive Group of Six conferences. Known for its emphasis on regional rivalries and strong fan engagement, the league has gained national recognition in football, baseball, and softball. The addition of Louisiana Tech reinforces the Sun Belt’s strategic focus on proximity and tradition, aligning the Bulldogs with natural rivals such as Louisiana-Lafayette, UL-Monroe, and Southern Miss.

Louisiana Tech’s move is expected to take effect no earlier than the 2026 football season, pending a buyout from Conference USA estimated at $5 million. The transition would reunite the Bulldogs with several former conference foes and reduce travel burdens across multiple sports. Administrators at Tech, including President Jim Henderson and Athletic Director Ryan Ivey, have reportedly been preparing for this opportunity since arriving on campus 18 months ago.

This latest development comes amid a broader wave of conference realignment that has reshaped the college football landscape. The Pac-12, once on the brink of collapse, has added Texas State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State to stabilize its membership. Meanwhile, Conference USA has welcomed Delaware and Missouri State into the FBS ranks, bringing the total number of FBS programs to 136.

For Louisiana Tech, the move to the Sun Belt offers a chance to reestablish its athletic identity within a more competitive and culturally aligned conference. With strong programs in baseball, basketball, and a football team that recently returned to bowl eligibility, the Bulldogs are poised to contribute meaningfully to the Sun Belt’s continued rise. The decision also reflects a growing trend among mid-major programs to prioritize regional fit and long-term stability over short-term financial incentives.