Louisiana Tech in C-USA, Sun Belt schedule in limbo

Both Conference USA and the Sun Belt have added Louisiana Tech to their 2026 football schedules, it was announced this week, as the school and C-USA wrangle over the Bulldogs’ departure date.

Conference USA added Louisiana Tech to the 2026 schedule announced Thursday. The Sun Belt then announced its 2026 schedule Friday and it includes Louisiana Tech — giving the Bulldogs 20 scheduled games.

Louisiana Tech also sent out a news release Friday announcing its 2026 schedule as a member of the Sun Belt.

The school accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt on July 14, 2025, and a news release announcing the move said Louisiana Tech will join the conference “no later than July 1, 2027.”

School officials told Conference USA they planned to leave on July 1, 2026, but the parties could not agree on a departure date or settlement fee.

So earlier this month, the University of Louisiana System, on behalf of Louisiana Tech, sued Conference USA to be able to leave the conference on July 1. In a statement released after the lawsuit was filed, the school said the proposed 2026 football schedule drafted by Conference USA left them with no choice but to sue.