NO NEWS?: Why Louisiana Tech and Conference USA NEGOTIATE Hard Over Sun Belt Move
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This episode of Locked On Sun Belt dives into the ongoing negotiations between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA regarding La Tech's potential move to the Sun Belt Conference. Host Dave Schultz emphasizes that the lack of public news about the talks is a positive sign, suggesting both parties are making progress behind the scenes without media leaks. He clarifies earlier confusion about arbitration, noting the process is likely mediation, which allows for more flexible negotiation. Schultz speculates that Louisiana Tech will likely pay a significant financial settlement—up from an initial $500,000 to $3 million—and that the move is expected to finalize by July 1st. He also highlights the retirement of South Alabama’s Dr. Joel Erdman, praising his transformative leadership in building football infrastructure and elevating the program. The episode wraps with a detailed midweek baseball recap, covering key games, standings, RPI implications, and upcoming series, including a dramatic ninth-inning comeback attempt by the Cajuns that ultimately fell short.
No news about the Louisiana Tech-Conference USA negotiations is a positive sign, indicating behind-the-scenes progress and mutual agreement.
Louisiana Tech is expected to pay a substantial financial settlement—likely around $3 million—to join the Sun Belt Conference by July 1st.
Dr. Joel Erdman’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era at South Alabama, where he built facilities, secured key hires, and elevated the football program.
The Sun Belt baseball race remains tight, with multiple teams tied for fifth place, making every game critical for NCAA tournament seeding and RPI improvement.
Road wins carry more weight in RPI calculations, making series like Southern Miss vs. the Cajuns and James Madison vs. Georgia State especially pivotal.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
No News Is Good News: The La Tech-Conf USA Negotiation
“I think that we didn't hear anything, at least as of now, is a good thing because we're not going to the media. Because it's not difficult to figure out who sources are when stuff like this comes out.”
Dr. Joel Erdman’s Legacy at South Alabama
“He did a fantastic job at South Alabama and leaving it much better than when he found it, when there was no football on the campus of South Alabama.”
Midweek Baseball Recap & RPI Implications
A detailed breakdown of recent Sun Belt baseball games, including Texas State’s dominant win over Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State’s upset of South Alabama, and Troy’s momentum. The episode emphasizes how RPI and road performance impact NCAA tournament seeding.
Upcoming Series & Tournament Implications
Schultz previews key matchups, including Southern Miss vs. the Cajuns, James Madison vs. Georgia State, and ULM vs. App State, stressing the importance of winning series to improve RPI and secure NCAA tournament positioning.
Sun Belt Tournament Format & Seeding Pressure
The episode examines the condensed Sun Belt tournament schedule, where top seeds play on Wednesday, increasing pressure on teams to perform early. The host expresses concern about the tight timeline and lack of rest between games.
“He did a fantastic job at South Alabama and leaving it much better than when he found it, when there was no football on the campus of South Alabama.”
“I think that we didn't hear anything, at least as of now, is a good thing because we're not going to the media.”
“Road wins carry more weight in RPI calculations, making series like Southern Miss vs. the Cajuns especially pivotal.”
Host
Sun Belt Conference
other
Dave Schultz
person
South Alabama
other
Louisiana Tech
other
Conference USA
other
Dr. Joel Erdman
person
Cajuns
other
Texas State
other
Southern Miss
other
Troy
other
SUN BELT vs SEC: Texas State and Coastal Carolina LEVERAGE Midweek Wins for RPI Surge
Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball • 31m • 3/31/2026
PLAYOFF POWER: Ragin' Cajuns AD Maggard NAMED to Playoff Committee, Sun Belt Representation Rises
Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball • 32m • 4/1/2026
ARBITRATION DRAMA: Louisiana Tech and Conference USA COLLIDE—Millions at Stake in Sun Belt Fight
Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball • 33m • 4/2/2026
UNSTOPPABLE: Coastal Carolina, Luke Jones SHUTS DOWN South Alabama for 32nd Sun Belt Win
Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball • 35m • 4/3/2026
INSANITY: Coastal's Streak is OVER, Cajuns COLLAPSE, and Georgia State Fires & Hires in One Day,
Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball • 30m • 4/4/2026
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