CLEVELAND, Miss. – Delta State University Athletics hosted an informational forum on Friday to discuss the future of the Statesmen football program, including potential scheduling alliances and conference membership opportunities as the landscape of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) continues to change.
With the number of football-playing institutions in the GSC declining, Delta State, West Alabama and Valdosta State remain the conference's only three football programs for the 2026 season. Following Valdosta State's announced move to the Peach Belt Conference in 2027, only two current GSC institutions will remain without a new conference affiliation.
The 2026 season will mark the final year of official Gulf South Conference football competition and championships under the current structure. Beginning in 2027, the three programs are expected to operate as football independents, as the Gulf South Conference will no longer sponsor football.
As a result, Delta State Athletics is actively exploring several options to ensure the long-term stability and competitiveness of its football program. These possibilities include scheduling alliances, affiliate conference memberships and full conference membership opportunities.
A key consideration in evaluating these options is the financial impact of increased travel distances and the additional resources required to maintain a competitive football schedule. As conference affiliations continue to shift, securing future opponents and managing travel expenses will present new challenges.
The forum provided an opportunity for Delta State supporters to learn more about the changing conference landscape, ask questions and gain insight into the university's ongoing efforts to identify the best path forward for Statesmen football.
Delta State Athletics remains committed to evaluating available opportunities while prioritizing the long-term success and financial sustainability of the football program.
A recording of the informational forum is available
https://vimeo.com/event/6256220.
