The Big South-OVC Football Association announced Wednesday an enhanced agreement with the option to extend past the original 2026 date.
The revised agreement adds a “look-in” clause after the 2026 season that allows the partnership to be extended past 2030 or beyond. The option also exists to add further institutions to the association’s membership.
“After the first successful season of our institutions playing together, it became evident we had developed a special and sustaining football model with a grouping of regionally-aligned institutions that share a similar commitment to the Football Championship Subdivision and that wanted to grow together,” OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche stated. “We are delighted that our enhanced agreement will allow us to operate as one cohesive unit, provide long-term stability for our football programs and plan for an exciting future of competitive success.”
“Now more than ever, innovative and meaningful partnerships are imperative,” Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery said. “The Association’s first season of competition displayed just that in creating a highly competitive football model. This enhanced partnership demonstrates our united commitment to continue the growth and advancement of the FCS. I am confident the reaffirmation of this agreement will continue to elevate football student–athlete experiences while strengthening brand exposure and recognition both regionally and nationally.”
The Ohio Valley Conference office will manage the day-to-day operations of the association in partnership with Big South officials.
The current membership of the league includes Charleston Southern, Eastern Illinois, Gardner-Webb, Lindenwood, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, UT-Martin, and Western Illinois.
Big South-OVC Football Schedule
It would be better for Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb to join the SoCon, and in turn Chattanooga and ETSU join the OVC which resumes playing football under its own name.
I will agree with you Z-Man!!!
Sanford and UTC would be a better fit in OVC. Leave ETSU where they are
Z-Man Or Z-Demand STOP DEMANDING so much ENJOY College Football & STOP destroying it.
As A Furman Fan I want Chattanooga & ETSU remain in SoCon.
OVC is not a good football conference, and Chattanooga and ETSU would prefer to be in a good football conference like the SoConn.
I agree with you Evan.
There’s still the chance the CAA breaks up if Villanova jumps to the Patriot and W&M and Campbell jump to SOCON. Maybe see Elon also return to SoCoN as a result and the Northeast schools regroup. That could leave Towson and Hampton to join/return to the Big South.
I would like My Villanova Wildcats be in Patriot League for Football & remain in Big East for all other Athletics especially Basketball & Lacrosse.