briefsports.net
A quick sports reference. Short answers, primary sources.
College Conference · NCAA Division I

Sun Belt Conference

The Sun Belt — an FBS conference of the American South, among the strongest Group of Five football leagues.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
Founded1976
HeadquartersNew Orleans, Louisiana
DivisionNCAA Division I

What is the Sun Belt Conference?

The Sun Belt Conference is a Division I FBS conference of universities across the South, from Texas to Virginia, and in recent years one of the strongest football leagues outside the power conferences.[1] [2]

Members and sports

Members include James Madison, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Marshall, Troy, South Alabama and Louisiana. The league sponsors a full championship program across the NCAA sports.[1]

Since when does it exist?

Founded in 1976 as a basketball league; football since 2001; headquartered in New Orleans.[1]

Why does the Sun Belt Conference matter?

Sun Belt football regularly beats power-conference opponents and places teams in the national rankings, giving the conference genuine national standing among FBS leagues.[1] [2]

References

  1. Sun Belt — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  2. NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.