The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) announced Thursday its return to the OVC football logo and branding for the 2026 football season.
This change does not affect the league’s relationship with the Big South Conference or modify any existing membership agreements.
“The return to a unified OVC football identity represents more than a rebrand—it signifies a reset, a refocus, and the start of an exciting new direction for our league,” said OVC Commissioner Matt Wilson. “Over the last three seasons, our association has provided the competitive foundation we needed. Now, with the eight programs in the association aligned under one brand, we have the clarity, momentum, and shared purpose to elevate what OVC football can be for years to come.”
“The rebranding reflects an evolution in identity, not a change in partnership,” said Charleston Southern University President B. Keith Faulkner. “As a founding member of the Association, we are proud of the strong foundation established over the last three seasons and are grateful for the shared commitment shown by every institution involved. With the eight programs moving forward together under one identity, we believe this structure will strengthen our brand and elevate the experience for our student-athletes.”
“Our partnership with the Big South remains incredibly powerful,” said Dr. Jay Gatrell, President of Eastern Illinois University. “Moving forward under the OVC name simplifies our brand, strengthens our competitive edge, and builds a foundation for future growth. We deeply value the ongoing commitment of our Big South partners, and this rebranded framework unites all eight teams under a single, shared vision.”
Additional branding updates will be shared over the summer.
2026 OVC football members include Charleston Southern University (Charleston, SC), Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL), Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC), Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO), Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO), Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN), University of Tennessee at Martin (Martin, TN) and Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL).
View Comments (10)
The endgame for Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb should be to join the SoCon.
Yes this makes so much sense and would love it if it happened.
CSU and GWU would be in a better situation travel-wise in the SoCon. There are several other SoCon schools in the Carolinas and states neighboring them. Charleston Southern would even have a cross-town rival, The Citadel.
Why hasnt the OVC convinced some schools to make the jump to the conference, such as DII shcools?
Chicago State would be another good addition to the conference, be a better travel situation for them than the NEC.
At least, I don't have configure a handy abbreviation anymore.
Something like "Oh-BS"
Slow news day?
Longtime lurker here. I have been silent about Dan NW-IL-MI's behavior towards Z-Man for years. I cannot be silent anymore. Dan really needs to get some serious professional help. He says he looks out for Z-Man but at the same time continues to verbally assault him. That is the textbook definition of hypocrisy.
Concerned Citizen Z-Man have been under tons of criticism from others on this web page from a lot of laughingstock proposals & everything he's done that he wants to run college football his way & it's been a major distraction & Z-Man needs to accept college football the way it is currently or stop watching it if cannot accept current state of sport.
What Dan is very afraid that someday when things do not go Z-Man way & he will jump off top of Ohio Stadium & his situation a very unstable.
Clashes between me & Z-Man DON'T bother me & never feel sorry at all.
Z-Man Older Brother have done nothing to help him & he is responsible for his very weird behavior & keeps ignoring him VERY SAD.