Summit League Expansion Targets?

[Prairiehaas]

I have a handful of neices and nephews that graduated from MNSU. Their general attitude is for MNSU to stay in D2. Even after the success shown by the XDSUs they think SDSU, NDSU, UND, USD made the wrong, move pointing out the lack of success by USD. Of course, in the conversation, I also hear a bit of soreness that the Dakota schools left MNSU.

[bigticket1]

Isn’t it fairly well known that the Boars of Regents won’t allow another MN state school to move up? I’ve heard that from several media sources the last couple years.

The Board of Regents doesn't want any other D1 schools. But they only directly control the University of MN and its branches, which would include UMD. All other state universities and colleges fall under a sister organization called MNSCU. So the Board of Regents doesn't have direct control, but definitely has their finger in the process.

[Southeast]

Isn’t it fairly well known that the Boars of Regents won’t allow another MN state school to move up? I’ve heard that from several media sources the last couple years.

[salemjack]

Glen Taylor should actually sell the Wolves and use the profit to propel MSU to D1.

They would be a great addition to the Summit League and MVFC.

Their wrestling team would be top 25 within a couple of years too.

[THE PRIDE IS BACK!!!]

Both teams have won the national d2 championship this week. Should be one of the top options on the list, I would think. Football would be an interesting decision for Mankato though. Would need a serious upgrade to facilities

Been saying it since I was a student. Minnesota State is my preferred choice for a Summit League addition. Great teams and fan base and a big student enrollment. A move up to D1 would bring upgrades to facilities. Look at SDSU. We didn't get a new football stadium for about 10 years after the move and are just getting the Frost update 20 years after. St Thomas is working on their new arena for basketball and hockey right now.

[DieselJacks]

Good list. I'd prefer either one of the D1 schools mentioned or Mankato/Duluth. Both Mankato's men and women are in the NSIC championship today.

Both teams have won the national d2 championship this week. Should be one of the top options on the list, I would think. Football would be an interesting decision for Mankato though. Would need a serious upgrade to facilities

[Jacked_Up]

Adding Augie would bring nothing new to the Summit and make the conference even less appealing to outlying members and prospective members who think the league already is too Dakota-centric. Northern Colorado would be my first choice.

[salemjack]

The day Augie is invited to the Summit is the day Sell needs to drive to Fargo, meet with Stony Brook, and find a new conference.

[LakeJack]

Big fat no to Augie.

[MontanaRabbit]

I don't believe there are any realistic candidates currently in D-I.

Washburn and Central Missouri will not be moving up in our lifetimes. No chance.

Northwest Missouri is happy in D-II. That may be subject to change with a future administration.

The only school ready to go is Augie. Let's rip the band-aid off and invite them already.

We need to be setting our sights higher than augie.

[perryc]

I don't believe there are any realistic candidates currently in D-I.

Washburn and Central Missouri will not be moving up in our lifetimes. No chance.

Northwest Missouri is happy in D-II. That may be subject to change with a future administration.

The only school ready to go is Augie. Let's rip the band-aid off and invite them already.

[Grizzled_Jack]

Central Missouri and Central Oklahoma have Summit sized enrollments and are in exurban/suburban areas. Central Missouri has FCS/Mid Major facilities in football and basketball. Central Oklahoma might be a bit short in the basketball facilities but certainly not at the bottom of the Summit pack. Having seen both MIAA and OVC games @Lindenwood I think the MIAA's the better conference. If NW Missouri was in a better location and had better facilities they'd be a natural. Get both Centrals in there and add football. Better than playing Indiana State. Two adds would give you another odd member conference but I'm sure there's enough suggestions here to get you up to twelve. Personally I think that Augie is way above Centenary. Don't like Augie? Grab one of the Central's now, see who leaves and grab the other.

[West-River_Jack]

I stumbled across this article a few days ago. I don't know if there is anything truly meaningful in it or not.

https://www.midmajormadness.com/2023...ivision-i-asap

[DieselJacks]

https://www.argusleader.com/story/ne...a/72896333007/

Minnesota’s actions are going to continue to hurt every college but the Gophers. Aren’t they worried about their colleges’ rapidly declining enrollment?

[MontanaRabbit]

There definitely needs to be a plan in place if the chance to move up presents itself (and I'm sure there is one). With a reorganization of FBS and FCS likely to happen sooner rather than later, it doesn't make sense to me to pay the $ 5 million fee to jump up until that gets resolved. If a new division made up of G5 and the upper end of FCS happens, that would seem to be where we should land.

100% agree. I hate the idea of moving up to FBS in its current format. We'd be playing football with no chance to ever win a championship. I don't think I'm in the minority in that I have no interest in playing in the Pop Tart bowl.