menu
Logo
99+
Bobcat Attack Menu
Logo
99+
Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Ohio to the Sun Belt?
Page: 1 of 2
BurritoBuggy4
General User
BB4
Member Since: 4/19/2021
Post Count: 97
person
mail
BurritoBuggy4
mail
Posted: 8/7/2025 7:00 PM
settings_applications edit_note
I've seen some articles talking about how Ohio is in preliminary discussions about joining the Sun Belt conference. Maybe nothing comes of it, but what do we think about that and how it would affect the basketball program's recruiting and success?
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,663
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/7/2025 7:46 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Been discussed extensively in the football forum. Apparently just very preliminary discussions, maybe even informal between the prez and some of her SBC contacts, since Board of Trustee members are apparently in the dark. I don't think we move unless several MAC mates move with us like Miami, Toledo and maybe one of two others. Just my sense of things. No inside information.
OUcat
General User
OU
Member Since: 10/13/2011
Post Count: 213
person
mail
OUcat
mail
Posted: 8/7/2025 10:27 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Perhaps I'm naive, but it seems a few SBC teams moving to the MAC would be more advantageous than several MAC teams going there.

Travel and such especially for Olympic sports is much greater in the SBC than the MAC. What SBC programs really spark your interest???
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,670
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 8/8/2025 9:45 AM
settings_applications edit_note
Julie Cromer addressed this at length during a recent reception in Athens. She said the most interesting part of this rumor "experience" were the multiple calls that came in very quickly from other schools and more than 1 other conference, all saying, "We never thought Ohio would even consider a move." Apparently Commissioner Steinbrecher was the first call received the next day...
Ohio69
General User
O69
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,123
person
mail
Ohio69
mail
Posted: 8/8/2025 10:54 AM
settings_applications edit_note
This is all moot unless OU has additional funds to compete in a bigger/better conference. Can't imagine it does.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,670
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 8/8/2025 12:35 PM
settings_applications edit_note
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
Kevin Finnegan
General User
KF
Member Since: 2/4/2005
Location: Rockton, IL
Post Count: 1,212
person
mail
Kevin Finnegan
mail
Posted: 8/8/2025 12:54 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
If this is the case, then well done by those involved. This should've been done multiple times over the past decade and a half and if OHIO is able to motivate the MAC by threatening departure, then kudos are due to our president and AD. The MAC has been left in the dust by other conferences and all we seem to hold onto is our stability and proximity. We are not offering a better product or looking to enhance our exposure in a positive light. We remain a novelty product. That's fun for a little while maybe, but I want a team that is looking for legitimacy in the arena. If we aren't looking to move, then we are doing an injustice to the future of the program.
Deciduous Forest Cat
General User
DFC
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: OH
Post Count: 4,557
person
mail
Deciduous Forest Cat
mail
Posted: 8/8/2025 2:05 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Kevin Finnegan wrote:expand_more
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
If this is the case, then well done by those involved. This should've been done multiple times over the past decade and a half and if OHIO is able to motivate the MAC by threatening departure, then kudos are due to our president and AD. The MAC has been left in the dust by other conferences and all we seem to hold onto is our stability and proximity. We are not offering a better product or looking to enhance our exposure in a positive light. We remain a novelty product. That's fun for a little while maybe, but I want a team that is looking for legitimacy in the arena. If we aren't looking to move, then we are doing an injustice to the future of the program.
This is a good case of the chicken/egg thing. What are we doing that is so much better than the rest of the MAC that warrants a "step up"? If we snag a marginally better TV deal in a marginally better conference, are the fans going to go nuts and come out and fill the place every single week? and pay a premium for the right to do so? and suddenly start traveling to our now farther-away conference mates, which we barely do with the current driveable distances? I'm not trying to answer the question for you, but it's a legit question and one that should be analyzed without the benefit/hindrance of green specs.
OUcat
General User
OU
Member Since: 10/13/2011
Post Count: 213
person
mail
OUcat
mail
Posted: 8/9/2025 1:03 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
If this is the case, then well done by those involved. This should've been done multiple times over the past decade and a half and if OHIO is able to motivate the MAC by threatening departure, then kudos are due to our president and AD. The MAC has been left in the dust by other conferences and all we seem to hold onto is our stability and proximity. We are not offering a better product or looking to enhance our exposure in a positive light. We remain a novelty product. That's fun for a little while maybe, but I want a team that is looking for legitimacy in the arena. If we aren't looking to move, then we are doing an injustice to the future of the program.
This is a good case of the chicken/egg thing. What are we doing that is so much better than the rest of the MAC that warrants a "step up"? If we snag a marginally better TV deal in a marginally better conference, are the fans going to go nuts and come out and fill the place every single week? and pay a premium for the right to do so? and suddenly start traveling to our now farther-away conference mates, which we barely do with the current driveable distances? I'm not trying to answer the question for you, but it's a legit question and one that should be analyzed without the benefit/hindrance of green specs.
As you point out this is a question for both sides of the same coin:

Heads, does a move like this impact Ohio's level of competitiveness? Right now the Cats are solidly Top Half of the MAC in both football and basketball - BUT NOT MAC-DOMINANT IN EITHER ONE. Does a move like this put the Cats 1-2 in both sports in the new league.

Tails, is the fan base ready to financially support a move to a new conference, establishing new rivalries, in a league it may or may not dominate in either sport. And is the anticipated increase in media dollars cover or at least offset the new travel costs, particularly for the secondary sports.

Lots to consider.
cbarber357
General User
C357
Member Since: 9/10/2012
Location: Pickerington, OH
Post Count: 1,151
person
mail
cbarber357
mail
Posted: 8/9/2025 1:29 PM
settings_applications edit_note
OUcat wrote:expand_more
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
If this is the case, then well done by those involved. This should've been done multiple times over the past decade and a half and if OHIO is able to motivate the MAC by threatening departure, then kudos are due to our president and AD. The MAC has been left in the dust by other conferences and all we seem to hold onto is our stability and proximity. We are not offering a better product or looking to enhance our exposure in a positive light. We remain a novelty product. That's fun for a little while maybe, but I want a team that is looking for legitimacy in the arena. If we aren't looking to move, then we are doing an injustice to the future of the program.
This is a good case of the chicken/egg thing. What are we doing that is so much better than the rest of the MAC that warrants a "step up"? If we snag a marginally better TV deal in a marginally better conference, are the fans going to go nuts and come out and fill the place every single week? and pay a premium for the right to do so? and suddenly start traveling to our now farther-away conference mates, which we barely do with the current driveable distances? I'm not trying to answer the question for you, but it's a legit question and one that should be analyzed without the benefit/hindrance of green specs.
As you point out this is a question for both sides of the same coin:

Heads, does a move like this impact Ohio's level of competitiveness? Right now the Cats are solidly Top Half of the MAC in both football and basketball - BUT NOT MAC-DOMINANT IN EITHER ONE. Does a move like this put the Cats 1-2 in both sports in the new league.

Tails, is the fan base ready to financially support a move to a new conference, establishing new rivalries, in a league it may or may not dominate in either sport. And is the anticipated increase in media dollars cover or at least offset the new travel costs, particularly for the secondary sports.

Lots to consider.
I would point out that the Sun Belt comes with an already established rivalry with Marshall.
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,663
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/9/2025 2:30 PM
settings_applications edit_note
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
This is a case of Ohio pushing the MAC to be a better conference, or else.
If this is the case, then well done by those involved. This should've been done multiple times over the past decade and a half and if OHIO is able to motivate the MAC by threatening departure, then kudos are due to our president and AD. The MAC has been left in the dust by other conferences and all we seem to hold onto is our stability and proximity. We are not offering a better product or looking to enhance our exposure in a positive light. We remain a novelty product. That's fun for a little while maybe, but I want a team that is looking for legitimacy in the arena. If we aren't looking to move, then we are doing an injustice to the future of the program.
This is a good case of the chicken/egg thing. What are we doing that is so much better than the rest of the MAC that warrants a "step up"? If we snag a marginally better TV deal in a marginally better conference, are the fans going to go nuts and come out and fill the place every single week? and pay a premium for the right to do so? and suddenly start traveling to our now farther-away conference mates, which we barely do with the current driveable distances? I'm not trying to answer the question for you, but it's a legit question and one that should be analyzed without the benefit/hindrance of green specs.
As you point out this is a question for both sides of the same coin:

Heads, does a move like this impact Ohio's level of competitiveness? Right now the Cats are solidly Top Half of the MAC in both football and basketball - BUT NOT MAC-DOMINANT IN EITHER ONE. Does a move like this put the Cats 1-2 in both sports in the new league.

Tails, is the fan base ready to financially support a move to a new conference, establishing new rivalries, in a league it may or may not dominate in either sport. And is the anticipated increase in media dollars cover or at least offset the new travel costs, particularly for the secondary sports.

Lots to consider.
I would point out that the Sun Belt comes with an already established rivalry with Marshall.
And, I think, App State could develop into a rivalry very quickly.
Andrew Ruck
General User
Member Since: 12/22/2004
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 5,631
mail
Andrew Ruck
mail
Posted: 8/10/2025 2:26 PM
settings_applications edit_note
1 rivalry, 1 hopeful rivalry, and a bunch of dumb nonsensical non-compelling matchups. Our conference has 5 longstanding in-state rivals, that collectively are comparable to much of the SBC programs. And 4 more in neighboring states. It's a dumb idea, and it is increasingly sounding like the rumor came out of nowhere not based in reality.

What I wish all this conference shuffling had was an element of kicking teams out, e.g. the Big Ten asks why are we keeping Northwestern around. If that were part of the discussion, I would love to discuss lopping off the 3 directional Michigans and going after Marshall, App St & Western Ky.
cc-cat
General User
C
Member Since: 4/5/2006
Location: matthews, NC
Post Count: 4,014
person
mail
cc-cat
mail
Posted: 8/10/2025 9:36 PM
settings_applications edit_note
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
And, I think, App State could develop into a rivalry very quickly.
App State doesn't care and won't care about Ohio.
Last Edited: 8/10/2025 9:36:16 PM by cc-cat
TWT
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,445
mail
TWT
mail
Posted: 8/12/2025 12:03 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
1 rivalry, 1 hopeful rivalry, and a bunch of dumb nonsensical non-compelling matchups. Our conference has 5 longstanding in-state rivals, that collectively are comparable to much of the SBC programs. And 4 more in neighboring states. It's a dumb idea, and it is increasingly sounding like the rumor came out of nowhere not based in reality.

What I wish all this conference shuffling had was an element of kicking teams out, e.g. the Big Ten asks why are we keeping Northwestern around. If that were part of the discussion, I would love to discuss lopping off the 3 directional Michigans and going after Marshall, App St & Western Ky.
In any conference there is benchmarking as it relates to spending in particular and facilities. The idea of Ohio possibly moving into a conference with Marshall and Appalachian State is the spending level would accordingly increase with the move. Spending level justified by the move competing with the new peers. That would open the door to spending more in basketball something the program will need if its going to stay relevant in D1.
Last Edited: 8/12/2025 12:04:05 PM by TWT
M.D.W.S.T
General User
Member Since: 12/24/2021
Post Count: 3,655
mail
M.D.W.S.T
mail
Posted: 8/13/2025 4:24 PM
settings_applications edit_note
No
bobcat 2000
General User
B2000
Member Since: 1/22/2006
Post Count: 281
person
mail
bobcat 2000
mail
Posted: 8/30/2025 5:46 PM
settings_applications edit_note
if OU is considering a conference other than the Mac they should be thinking coneference usa, big east, or american. being in the sun belt wont help the team to get at large bids the way those three conferences could
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,663
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/30/2025 8:38 PM
settings_applications edit_note
bobcat 2000 wrote:expand_more
if OU is considering a conference other than the Mac they should be thinking coneference usa, big east, or american. being in the sun belt wont help the team to get at large bids the way those three conferences could
C-USA is a has been conference. It would be step down. American Conference seems to be falling apart. You seem not to be keeping current on the shifting landscape.
bobcat 2000
General User
B2000
Member Since: 1/22/2006
Post Count: 281
person
mail
bobcat 2000
mail
Posted: 9/7/2025 3:07 PM
settings_applications edit_note
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
IceCat76
General User
IC76
Member Since: 12/5/2016
Location: Byfield, MA
Post Count: 301
person
mail
IceCat76
mail
Posted: 9/8/2025 10:34 AM
settings_applications edit_note
bobcat 2000 wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,663
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 9/8/2025 2:51 PM
settings_applications edit_note
IceCat76 wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
The Big 12 has only 16 members and needs two more to catch up with the B1G/18. Just saying! ;-)
cbarber357
General User
C357
Member Since: 9/10/2012
Location: Pickerington, OH
Post Count: 1,151
person
mail
cbarber357
mail
Posted: 9/8/2025 5:12 PM
settings_applications edit_note
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
The Big 12 has only 16 members and needs two more to catch up with the B1G/18. Just saying! ;-)
Between Iowa State and WVU we can clearly compete in football…built in regional rivalry with WVU, Cincy, bring in Toledo… who says no?
Last Edited: 9/8/2025 5:12:59 PM by cbarber357
BillyTheCat
General User
BTC
Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 10,792
person
mail
BillyTheCat
mail
Posted: 9/8/2025 9:58 PM
settings_applications edit_note
bobcat 2000 wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
From the mind of a well educated football fan.
TWT
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,445
mail
TWT
mail
Posted: 9/8/2025 11:11 PM
settings_applications edit_note
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
The Big 12 has only 16 members and needs two more to catch up with the B1G/18. Just saying! ;-)
Between Iowa State and WVU we can clearly compete in football…built in regional rivalry with WVU, Cincy, bring in Toledo… who says no?
There was a point in 2021 when it wasn't clear the Big 12 was going to make it and WVU could have ended up left out in the cold. Tires were kicked on a conference featuring WVU, Ohio, UConn, Army, Buffalo and a few others.
Last Edited: 9/8/2025 11:12:14 PM by TWT
BillyTheCat
General User
BTC
Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 10,792
person
mail
BillyTheCat
mail
Posted: 9/9/2025 4:46 PM
settings_applications edit_note
TWT wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
The Big 12 has only 16 members and needs two more to catch up with the B1G/18. Just saying! ;-)
Between Iowa State and WVU we can clearly compete in football…built in regional rivalry with WVU, Cincy, bring in Toledo… who says no?
There was a point in 2021 when it wasn't clear the Big 12 was going to make it and WVU could have ended up left out in the cold. Tires were kicked on a conference featuring WVU, Ohio, UConn, Army, Buffalo and a few others.
Curious as to “who” was kicking tires on this conference.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,670
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 9/9/2025 6:03 PM
settings_applications edit_note
TWT wrote:expand_more
if american and conference usa are in bad shape then thebig east is the way togo.
This Big East doesn't have and never will have football. That conference is a basketball conference.
The Big 12 has only 16 members and needs two more to catch up with the B1G/18. Just saying! ;-)
Between Iowa State and WVU we can clearly compete in football…built in regional rivalry with WVU, Cincy, bring in Toledo… who says no?
There was a point in 2021 when it wasn't clear the Big 12 was going to make it and WVU could have ended up left out in the cold. Tires were kicked on a conference featuring WVU, Ohio, UConn, Army, Buffalo and a few others.

By who? The sportswriter in Harrisonburg, VA, who broke the Ohio to the Sunbelt story?
Showing Messages: 1 - 25 of 33
reply
vertical_align_top
vertical_align_center
vertical_align_bottom
add_comment
chevron_forward
MAC News Links



extra small (< 576px)
small (>= 576px)
medium (>= 768px)
large (>= 992px)
x-large (>= 1200px)
xx-large (>= 1400px)