Delaware Football: Could They Join Conference USA?

Hey football fans! Let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around the college football world: Delaware football potentially joining Conference USA. Now, I know what you might be thinking – Delaware? Conference USA? How does that even compute? Well, grab your favorite game-day snack, and let's break it down.

The Current Landscape of Delaware Football

First, let's set the stage. The University of Delaware is a solid program with a rich history, currently competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). They've had their share of successes, including a national championship back in 2003. But let's be real, the FCS is a different ball game (pun intended!) compared to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), where the big boys play. The difference in resources, exposure, and competition level is significant. For a program like Delaware that consistently strives for excellence, the allure of moving up to the FBS is understandable.

The Hens have a passionate fanbase and a beautiful campus. To move to Conference USA and compete, the program needs to boost their recruiting. They have a great staff in place, but money talks in college football. Conference USA could be a stepping stone for the Hens to be a power program in the FBS. Delaware is centrally located on the east coast, a great area for recruiting. The Hens have a great non-conference schedule which will prepare them for a move to FBS. The program also has a very high graduation rate. The University of Delaware is not just a football school, it is an academic institution that would benefit Conference USA.

Delaware already plays some schools in the FBS. They played Virginia Tech in 2023, and almost beat the Hokies. Delaware's football program has the potential to be a force in Conference USA. Their state-of-the-art facilities and committed fanbase will continue to develop over the next few years. The University of Delaware is committed to improving the area around the campus, which would benefit the football program. The Hens could recruit local talent and give them a chance to play at home. The program is ready to take the next step. The only question is, will Conference USA give them the opportunity?

What is Conference USA Anyway?

Okay, so let's get everyone on the same page. Conference USA is an FBS conference that has seen its fair share of changes over the years. It's a conference known for its geographic diversity, with members stretching across a wide swath of the southern United States. Recently, Conference USA has been rebuilding after some notable departures to other conferences. This constant flux means they are often looking for stable, competitive programs to join their ranks and bolster their image.

Conference USA is a conference with a lot of history. The conference was founded in 1995. The conference has had a lot of success, including multiple national championships. Some of the teams that are currently in Conference USA include Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, and Western Kentucky. These are all solid football programs that compete hard every year. The conference is always looking to improve, and adding a program like Delaware would be a great way to do that. The conference is also looking to expand its footprint. Adding a team in the northeast would be a great way to do that. The conference is also looking for schools with good academics. Delaware would be a great fit in that regard as well.

Conference USA needs to continue to evolve to stay relevant in college football. The additions of Liberty and Jacksonville State were great for the conference. But, the conference needs to continue to add quality programs to be competitive. Delaware would be a great addition to Conference USA. The Hens would bring a strong football program, a great academic reputation, and a passionate fanbase. All of these things would help Conference USA continue to grow and improve. Conference USA has a television deal with CBS Sports Network. Adding a team like Delaware would help the conference get more exposure on national television.

Why Would Delaware Consider Moving? The Allure of FBS

So, why would Delaware even entertain the thought of jumping to Conference USA? The answer, in short, is opportunity. Moving to the FBS opens up a whole new world of possibilities:

• Increased Revenue: FBS programs generate significantly more revenue through television deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales. This influx of cash can be reinvested into the program, improving facilities, coaching salaries, and recruiting budgets.
• National Exposure: Playing on a bigger stage means more eyes on your program. FBS games are broadcast on major networks, giving teams national exposure and boosting their brand recognition.
• Enhanced Recruiting: The allure of playing in the FBS can be a powerful recruiting tool. Top recruits often dream of playing against the best competition, and the FBS provides that opportunity.
• Better Competition: Let's face it, the level of competition in the FBS is a step above the FCS. For a program like Delaware that wants to test its mettle against the best, the FBS is where they need to be.

The Challenges of Moving Up

Of course, moving to the FBS isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are significant challenges that Delaware would need to overcome:

• Increased Competition: While better competition is a draw, it also means facing tougher opponents week in and week out. Delaware would need to be prepared to compete against established FBS programs.
• Higher Costs: Operating an FBS program is significantly more expensive than an FCS program. Delaware would need to invest heavily in its football program to be competitive.
• Facility Upgrades: Delaware's facilities are good for an FCS program, but they may need to be upgraded to meet FBS standards. This could include expanding the stadium, improving training facilities, and adding more support staff.
• Recruiting: Delaware would need to step up its recruiting efforts to attract the caliber of players needed to compete in the FBS. This would require a significant investment in recruiting resources.

To make the move, Delaware's stadium would need to be upgraded. Delaware Stadium currently holds around 18,000 fans. To compete in Conference USA, the stadium would likely need to be expanded to at least 25,000 seats. This would be a significant investment, but it would be necessary to compete in the FBS. The stadium also needs to add luxury boxes and more premium seating. These additions would help generate more revenue for the program. The university could also explore naming rights for the stadium. This would be another way to generate revenue and help offset the cost of the upgrades. The university also needs to improve the fan experience at the stadium. This includes adding more concessions, improving the restrooms, and adding more entertainment options. These improvements would help attract more fans to the games and create a better atmosphere.

Conference USA: A Good Fit for Delaware?

So, is Conference USA a good fit for Delaware? On paper, it could be. Conference USA is a conference that is looking to improve, and Delaware is a program that is looking to take the next step. The conference's geographic diversity could also be a plus for Delaware, as it would give them exposure to new markets. Conference USA is a stepping stone for Delaware to get to a power five conference like the ACC or the Big 10. Delaware is centrally located on the east coast, making it easily accessible for other teams in the conference. The university also has a strong academic reputation, which would be a plus for Conference USA.

What Would it Take? Making the Leap

If Delaware wants to make the jump to Conference USA, there are several things they would need to do:

1. Invest in the Program: This is the most obvious one. Delaware would need to be willing to invest significant resources into its football program, including facilities, coaching salaries, and recruiting budgets.
2. Improve Recruiting: Delaware would need to step up its recruiting efforts to attract the caliber of players needed to compete in the FBS. This would require a strategic and targeted approach to recruiting.
3. Upgrade Facilities: Delaware's facilities are good for an FCS program, but they may need to be upgraded to meet FBS standards. This could include expanding the stadium, improving training facilities, and adding more support staff.
4. Secure Conference Invitation: Of course, Delaware would need to receive an invitation from Conference USA. This would likely depend on the conference's needs and Delaware's ability to demonstrate its commitment to competing in the FBS.

The Bottom Line: A Potential Game-Changer

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Delaware should join Conference USA is a complex one with many factors to consider. However, the potential benefits of moving to the FBS are undeniable. For Delaware, it could be a game-changer, elevating the program to new heights and opening up a world of opportunities. It would be a lot of work, but the payout could be huge for the university, the football program, and the fans.

So, what do you guys think? Would you like to see Delaware in Conference USA? Let me know in the comments below!