With football season just around the corner, uncertainty looms over the Southern Miss football schedule, particularly regarding their matchup with Louisiana Tech. This game, anticipated to be a part of the Sun Belt Conference slate, faces complications due to ongoing legal issues involving Louisiana Tech and Conference USA (CUSA).
Recently, Southern Miss completed its non-conference schedule for the 2026 season by adding a home game against UConn. This decision was made with the expectation that Louisiana Tech would officially join the Sun Belt this year. Originally slated to visit M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg as a non-conference opponent, the Bulldogs” shift to the Sun Belt followed their acceptance of an invitation last summer.
However, ongoing negotiations, which have been in place since August 2025, have yet to yield a resolution. On Thursday, Louisiana Tech took a significant step by filing a lawsuit against CUSA. In their official statement, they emphasized the necessity of this action for the benefit of their student-athletes. “When we joined Conference USA in 2013, its membership was different, its scheduling was different, and the landscape of college athletics was very different,” they stated. “Seven months ago, we notified CUSA of our intent to exit in July 2026. We have worked in good faith toward an amicable separation within conference bylaws. The proposed 2026 football schedule drafted by CUSA left us no choice but to pursue this remedy.”
Louisiana Tech further articulated that their transition to the Sun Belt would enhance their student-athletes” experiences, rekindle regional rivalries, and benefit the economy of Louisiana significantly. They noted that CUSA had previously recognized the challenges of creating an 11-team schedule if Louisiana Tech remained in the conference next year. “We have tried to offer a fair financial resolution to this dispute and are hopeful that we can resolve it without resorting to prolonged litigation,” they added.
This ongoing conflict has led to delays in Southern Miss revealing its conference schedule, as any formal announcement is contingent upon a resolution between Louisiana Tech and CUSA. The Bulldogs sought an injunction to facilitate their official entry into the Sun Belt by July, but a Louisiana judge recently denied this request. A hearing regarding the matter is now scheduled for March 19.
As the spring football season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Louisiana Tech”s status leaves Southern Miss and its fans with lingering questions about the upcoming Sun Belt schedule. Stay tuned to Southern Miss Golden Eagles On SI for further developments on this evolving situation.
