Valdosta State Report on Future Conference Affiliation Considerations

[athensblazer]

Interesting TV news story and interview with VSU AD.

https://www.wctv.tv/2026/07/22/valdo...ure-alliances/

[Rational Observer]

Going FCS is VSU's only real option.

[Eagle74]

Conference Carolina would be much better option at this time.

[UNALions]

Interesting TV news story and interview with VSU AD.

https://www.wctv.tv/2026/07/22/valdo...ure-alliances/

A follow-up article states:

Katen confirmed that Valdosta State has been approached to follow several former Gulf South Conference members to compete at the Division I level.

...

“We’re in that process right now of looking at and researching how far we’re traveling,” said Katen. “I talked about play independent football and we can travel across the country and play multiple games. Is that the same amount of money if we were to go Division I? Conference wise, athletically, we’re open to everything. It evolves everyday because of the landscape of the NCAA.”

Katen said the Blazers are looking at several options, including staying in the GSC, moving football to an affiliate member of another conference, keeping football independent, moving other sports to another Division II conference, as well as moving all Blazer sports Division I.

He said they would like to solidify their home in the next three to four years.

https://www.wctv.tv/2026/07/22/valdo...ure-alliances/

[Brandon Misener]

A follow-up article states:

Katen confirmed that Valdosta State has been approached to follow several former Gulf South Conference members to compete at the Division I level.

...

“We’re in that process right now of looking at and researching how far we’re traveling,” said Katen. “I talked about play independent football and we can travel across the country and play multiple games. Is that the same amount of money if we were to go Division I? Conference wise, athletically, we’re open to everything. It evolves everyday because of the landscape of the NCAA.”

Katen said the Blazers are looking at several options, including staying in the GSC, moving football to an affiliate member of another conference, keeping football independent, moving other sports to another Division II conference, as well as moving all Blazer sports Division I.

He said they would like to solidify their home in the next three to four years.

https://www.wctv.tv/2026/07/22/valdo...ure-alliances/

their travel budget might balloon to the point where the fcs is the less expensive option.

[EastStroud13]

I would love to see VSU join the PBC and then affiliate with the SIAC. The SIAC could go to 2 divisions of 7. It's more of a pipe dream than a likely outcome, I recognize that.

[Eagle74]

I would love to see VSU join the PBC and then affiliate with the SIAC. The SIAC could go to 2 divisions of 7. It's more of a pipe dream than a likely outcome, I recognize that.

I don't see that happening. The SIAC is known as a HBCU conference, and VSU's enrollment demographics by race are predominantly white.

[gr8ness97]

I don't see that happening. The SIAC is known as a HBCU conference, and VSU's enrollment demographics by race are predominantly white.

The SIAC has had non-HBCU options in the conference before (Spring Hill College), so its not exactly farfetched. The hard sell would be to the Alumni.

[Rational Observer]

I would love to see VSU join the PBC and then affiliate with the SIAC. The SIAC could go to 2 divisions of 7. It's more of a pipe dream than a likely outcome, I recognize that.

SIAC teams run from playing VSU now. It's doubtful they would vote to accept VSU into the conference.

[Inkblot]

The Peach Belt is the best fit for other sports (better than staying in the GSC). I wouldn't be surprised if Conference Carolinas were willing to take them in football; it seems like it would be a profile boost for the conference, and as UNCP showed last year, VSU wouldn't necessarily dominate.

[Eagle74]

It may be a little bit longer ride, but Conference Carolina shouldn't rule out adding West Alabama. A very good school without blurred aspirations of jumping to D-1. Could do an every other year plan with Chowan to lessen the burden of travel.

[getnastyblazers]

I’ve always been opposed to a move to D-1 but at this time I don’t see a better option.

[Eagle74]

I’ve always been opposed to a move to D-1 but at this time I don’t see a better option.

Unless VSU is in a very very good $$$$$ financial position (especially having to compete with other D1 schools in the NIL arms race) for the foreseeable future, Division 2, aligned with a regional Football conference would be the very best option.

[getnastyblazers]

I would prefer that I think if we can find a suitable place.

[ctrabs74]

It may be a little bit longer ride, but Conference Carolina shouldn't rule out adding West Alabama. A very good school without blurred aspirations of jumping to D-1. Could do an every other year plan with Chowan to lessen the burden of travel.

The big picture question would be "Where does that leave Delta State?" Would ConfCar have to take all three GSC schools in order for any viable options for Valdosta, West Alabama and Delta State?