Regent Suggested FCS Move for Louisiana Schools

A board member proposed that three universities drop to the FCS division to combat ongoing athletic budget deficits.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football

Regent Suggested FCS Move for Louisiana Schools

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Should public universities prioritize cutting athletic spending to ensure financial sustainability?

Louisiana Board of Regents member Wilbert Pryor has suggested that Louisiana Tech, ULL, and ULM move their football programs to the FCS division. The proposal follows revelations of significant annual deficits across these University of Louisiana System athletic departments.

Why it matters

The recommendation addresses the long-term sustainability of collegiate sports in the state amid rising operational costs. Regents have identified current spending levels as unsustainable given the millions in debt accumulated by these programs.

Louisiana Tech reports a $17 million deficit, while ULL and ULM face deficits of $20 million and $10 million, respectively. These figures contrast with coach salary disparities, such as $1 million at Louisiana Tech versus $250,000 at Nicholls.

The players

Wilbert Pryor

He is a member of the Louisiana Board of Regents based in Shreveport who proposed the division move.

Deloitte

This global professional services firm was hired to evaluate the financial sustainability of the university athletic departments.

University of Louisiana System

This is the state-wide system of public universities currently undergoing a financial review of its athletic programs.

The details

The University of Louisiana System has hired the consulting firm Deloitte to evaluate athletic program sustainability and develop a long-term path forward. This review comes after board hearings confirmed the severity of the financial shortfalls currently plaguing the athletic departments.

September 22, 2026: The Louisiana Board of Regents held budget hearings.
End of 2026: Deloitte is expected to present a sustainability report.
2027: The System board will make final decisions regarding athletic programs.

The Big Picture

This suggestion highlights a potential recalibration of university priorities in relation to the NCAA FCS and FBS division membership criteria. It signals a move to align athletic spending with institutional financial realities.

If the schools drop to the FCS division, it would force a significant overhaul of current scheduling, conference alignments, and postseason eligibility. This change would fundamentally alter the competitive landscape for fans and the universities' long-term athletic budget strategies.

The takeaway

The move suggests a shifting approach to fiscal responsibility within public university athletic departments. Smaller institutions may increasingly prioritize financial stability over the higher costs required to remain in top-tier football divisions.