The FCS football landscape is undergoing major changes with teams moving between conferences and divisions for the upcoming seasons. Several teams are making the jump from the FCS to the FBS level, including James Madison, Sam Houston, and Delaware. On the other hand, schools like Texas A&M-Commerce, Lindenwood, and West Georgia are moving up to the FCS from Division II. Conference realignment is also a key theme, with the ASUN and WAC merging to form a football-only conference. Additionally, Stephen F. Austin is returning to the Southland Conference, while Richmond is leaving CAA Football for the Patriot League.
Other notable moves include Sacred Heart and Merrimack leaving the NEC for the MAAC, Robert Morris returning to the NEC, and Western Illinois joining the OVC. North Carolina A&T and Campbell are also making shifts, leaving the Big South for the CAA. Kennesaw State, North Alabama, and Austin Peay are moving to the ASUN, as UIW and Lamar make changes in their conference affiliations as well.
The significance of conferences in the FCS lies in automatic bids to the playoffs for conference winners, with a minimum of six eligible teams needed in a conference for an automatic bid. With the constant changes and realignment, the FCS football landscape is evolving and setting the stage for an exciting future for the sport.
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