Louisiana Tech will join the Sun Belt Conference “no later than” July 1, 2027, the league office announced Tuesday.

Sun Belt CEOs — school presidents and chancellors — unanimously voted to add the Bulldogs as the league’s 14th member, according to the conference office. Louisiana Tech will replace Texas State, which is leaving for the Pac-12 at the end of the 2025-26 athletic year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Louisiana Tech University to the Sun Belt,” conference commissioner Keith Gill said. “Geographically situated within the current Sun Belt footprint, the addition of Louisiana Tech reunites a number of long-standing regional rivalries under the conference banner.

“I am grateful to President Dr. Jim Henderson and Athletic Director Ryan Ivey for their leadership during this process. I’d also like to thank the CEOs and athletic directors of our Sun Belt member institutions for their continued commitment to the premier FBS non-autonomy conference in the country. The Sun Belt Conference is rising and our best days are ahead.”

Should Louisiana Tech not join the Sun Belt until 2027, that would create a one-year period with 13 member schools. It’s unclear if the conference would retain its two-division format for the 2026 season with one fewer team.

Louisiana Tech was a member of the Sun Belt from 1991-2001, before the league began playing a full football schedule and crowning a conference champion in that sport. The Bulldogs were a member of the WAC from 2001-13 and have been in Conference USA since 2013.

“The Sun Belt has remained steadfast in its commitment to regional rivalries, geographic alignment and competitive excellence,” said Sun Belt Board of Directors President Kyle Marrero, also school president at Georgia Southern.

“When it came time to add a new member to the Sun Belt Conference, it became clear that Louisiana Tech was the right fit. This addition renews long-standing rivalries, enhances our divisional structure, strengthens the competitive profile of the league across multiple sports and eases travel for fans and teams. We’re excited to welcome the Bulldogs to the Sun Belt.”

Louisiana Tech has struggled on the field in recent years in football, going 5-8 last season and not enjoying a winning season since 2019. The Bulldogs have a storied history in women’s basketball and softball, and have made five NCAA Baseball Regional appearances in the last decade.

The Bulldogs’ impending departure from Conference USA would even out that league’s balance. CUSA will have 11 members this year (and perhaps next) following the addition of Delaware.

“Through all the uncertainty surrounding college athletics, we are pleased that Louisiana Tech has found its rightful home as a member of the Sun Belt Conference,” Louisiana Tech athletics director Ryan Ivey said. “The opportunity for more fan engagement, reduced travel burden, and the renewal of storied rivalries will allow our student-athletes to pursue excellence in sport and in the classroom.

“Our coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and fans share in our excitement for the future of Bulldogs and Lady Techsters athletics. We appreciate Commissioner Keith Gill and the board for their confidence in our athletics department and look forward to elevating the conference through competition.”