Quote from: Ron Boerger on July 27, 2026, 06:25:18 PMUpdate from the ASC front office, courtesy today's D3.ticker

Quote

• Now at six full members, what is the league's ideal size? "It's probably that 10 to 12 sweet spot. I think that we'll focus on footprint like institutions. I think that that was probably, if I could put a finger on one of the challenges maybe the ASC had in the past was the private and public challenges. So they're really looking at like institutions, footprint, how we grow within that kind of space. I think that that's doable. I think that if you build something people can get excited about, a lot of what's happened in the past that we can move forward from. ... We want to try to look at how do we get as close to a tight footprint as we can get? Not that we're close minded on other folks, but that we really want to look at what's the impact on adding institutions, where they're located and how far our student-athletes are going to have to travel."
• One key item the league can improve upon is the ASC's brand beyond just athletics, to focus on and share the impact student-athletes and alumni are having on campus and in their communities. In her first year, Schuemann has been focused on building a strong structure. That means adding a second full-time staffer, reviewing all documents and procedures and more. "I think in the next year or so, it's really about building a league people can get excited about, making sure that our operations and our structure is sound so that going into 26-27, we're very clear about who we are and where we're going. And then moving into strategic planning and looking at the next five years and what does that look like for us. And then conversations surrounding membership."

The full ~15 minute interview (which I did not listen to) is on YT:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueEmAY3_YE

Quote from: Ron Boerger on July 27, 2026, 06:25:18 PMUpdate from the ASC front office, courtesy today's D3.ticker

Quote

• Now at six full members, what is the league's ideal size? "It's probably that 10 to 12 sweet spot. I think that we'll focus on footprint like institutions. I think that that was probably, if I could put a finger on one of the challenges maybe the ASC had in the past was the private and public challenges. So they're really looking at like institutions, footprint, how we grow within that kind of space. I think that that's doable. I think that if you build something people can get excited about, a lot of what's happened in the past that we can move forward from. ... We want to try to look at how do we get as close to a tight footprint as we can get? Not that we're close minded on other folks, but that we really want to look at what's the impact on adding institutions, where they're located and how far our student-athletes are going to have to travel."
• One key item the league can improve upon is the ASC's brand beyond just athletics, to focus on and share the impact student-athletes and alumni are having on campus and in their communities. In her first year, Schuemann has been focused on building a strong structure. That means adding a second full-time staffer, reviewing all documents and procedures and more. "I think in the next year or so, it's really about building a league people can get excited about, making sure that our operations and our structure is sound so that going into 26-27, we're very clear about who we are and where we're going. And then moving into strategic planning and looking at the next five years and what does that look like for us. And then conversations surrounding membership."

The full ~15 minute interview (which I did not listen to) is on YT:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueEmAY3_YE

No idea how likely any or all of her plans are but it quite refreshing to see someone publicly speak about the issues and possible solutions to the ASC.

Welcome and good luck Leslie Schuemann. 

Quote from: tigerguy on July 16, 2026, 10:54:17 PM

Quote from: MCScots2013 on July 15, 2026, 03:37:26 PMTrinity, Berry and Centre (along with Maryville in our last USAC year) made the playoffs in 2024, so it's possible you could see a Trinity-added ASC getting 3 playoff teams due to NPI.  The SAA did it.

Trinity would only join ASC as an absolute last option, but it's become more plausible as a scenario faster than I expected it would. Funny enough, wouldn't Trinity joining the ASC finally resolve the Texas island gauntlet in the playoffs? At least for the first round - since (assuming all three top teams get bids) they'd trigger the NCAA's no first round matchup rule for same conference opponents? There might be an exception to that (something like they can't do it, unless economics aren't workable or some bs), but I can't remember and I'm too lazy to go look.

It would most likely prevent a rematch of those three but now that the SCAC will have a bid, it would be shocking if AC, TLU or Southwestern wins that they would not be paired with the ASC champion as quickly as possible.

Quote from: Mavchamp on July 15, 2026, 06:08:11 PM

Quote from: crufootball on July 15, 2026, 03:16:35 PM

Quote from: Mavchamp on July 14, 2026, 06:04:44 PMHPU and ETBU will be buried if Trinity, UMHB, and Hardin Simmons were in conference together with them.

May as well just go to NAIA if you ever want to have football success again. 

If—and I think it's a very unlikely scenario—Trinity were to join the ASC in any fashion, I could see ETBU benefiting almost as much as it might lose in the new NPI landscape. Trinity's addition would provide the conference with greater long-term stability while also giving every member another high-quality NPI game on its schedule

Historically, defeating Trinity, HSU, and UMHB has been a challenge for nearly every program. However, if ETBU could finish 8-2 in a conference that included those 3, you would have to think they would have a legitimate chance at an at-large bid.

Looking at ETBU's 2026 schedule, replacing Louisiana Christian with Trinity would make an 8-2 record difficult but not impossible. During ETBU's strongest stretch from 2015–2019, the Tigers consistently fielded competitive teams but often seemed to have one not great loss that kept them from finishing with a more impressive record. If they can avoid that stumble while navigating a stronger conference schedule, an 8-2 finish could put them squarely in the at-large conversation.

Hard to imagine ETBU finishing (8-2) in an ASC that has Trinity, UMHB, and HSU in it.  The Tigers are (3-53) Vs. UMHB and HSU.   They only have one game with Trinity.  (7-3) would be possible....but they would desperately need an upset to achieve that (8-2) mark.

I admire how consistent the purple schools have been the last 25+ years....they have owned the conference.  I just wish other conference members (ETBU) could become more competitive (ETBU) and occasionally get a big win over HSU (ETBU) and UMHB (ETBU) to keep things exciting (ETBU).

 

Consistency is the thing about the powers of any sport that I think does not get enough attention, yes it is great to be the best for a season or two but for any team that can remain near/ be on top and almost always meet expectations is more impressive to me.

As for ETBU, it clearly wouldn't be easy BUT if they could play consistent enough to be more confident they could go 7-0 against everyone else then stealing a game against the other 3 isn't so big a hill. UMHB couldn't beat HSU, Trinity, Linfield, Wesley or UWW until they did.

Quote from: Mavchamp on July 14, 2026, 06:04:44 PMHPU and ETBU will be buried if Trinity, UMHB, and Hardin Simmons were in conference together with them.

May as well just go to NAIA if you ever want to have football success again. 

If—and I think it's a very unlikely scenario—Trinity were to join the ASC in any fashion, I could see ETBU benefiting almost as much as it might lose in the new NPI landscape. Trinity's addition would provide the conference with greater long-term stability while also giving every member another high-quality NPI game on its schedule

Historically, defeating Trinity, HSU, and UMHB has been a challenge for nearly every program. However, if ETBU could finish 8-2 in a conference that included those 3, you would have to think they would have a legitimate chance at an at-large bid.

Looking at ETBU's 2026 schedule, replacing Louisiana Christian with Trinity would make an 8-2 record difficult but not impossible. During ETBU's strongest stretch from 2015–2019, the Tigers consistently fielded competitive teams but often seemed to have one not great loss that kept them from finishing with a more impressive record. If they can avoid that stumble while navigating a stronger conference schedule, an 8-2 finish could put them squarely in the at-large conversation.

Quote from: Mavchamp on July 09, 2026, 08:37:45 PM

Quote from: MCScots2013 on July 09, 2026, 07:50:27 PMI think the issue at hand is the total number for the SCAC when accounting for non-football schools. Unless they want to be the D3 SEC with 16 schools, the total number is  getting big. Someone needs to try to make that SCAC move asap because they shut that door. I think the ODAC has 14 schools (not checking their website), so I guess there is Region 3 precedence.

But, yeah...if ex-D3's came back it could help a lot.

Call me a pessimist....but I think the ASC on life support again when this 10 year "deal" is done.

All six members should be thinking long-term if they are wise.

The good news:  Necessity may force them together long term....even if they don't like it.

There's always a chance that the SCAC will have no interest in taking McMurry and Schreiner back in 10 years.  If that's the case...both could be stuck with the ASC unless they look else where.

Trinity may not want the ASC..... and the ASC may not want Trinity.  But.... they may have to live with each other.

HSU and UMHB may not want to move to D2...but if they ASC falls apart.... will they have any options?

And HPU and ETBU have got to decide if they remain faithful to the Baptist Four or if they decide to go every many for themselves and start looking at SCAC, D2 or NAIA.

And like mentioned....Sul Ross coming back could be huge....even if it's a long shot.

Recruiting the Sooner Conference

But it could be interesting..... all the talk of life support in 10 years (and it's still very real).... but the ASC could end up being an alliance of the unwanted and unwilling if the SCAC say thanks but no thanks to everyone.

Trinity
UMHB
HSU
ETBU
HPU
McMurry
Schreiner


A conference that hardly anyone would be happy about being in....but survives due to necessity. 

Recent history seems to scream that long-term in college football is 5 years at most so I would say that the ASC members will happily take a 10 year deal that hasn't even started yet. Now could something happen in that 10 years that makes the deal invalid, of course, but until then it would seem that all of the members have looked around and said this is the best option presented to them.

Quote from: AndrewB on June 13, 2026, 04:06:45 PM

Quote from: crufootball on June 13, 2026, 12:24:22 PM

Quote from: UMHB03 on June 12, 2026, 02:30:25 PM

Quote from: The Third Division on June 12, 2026, 01:53:35 PMEither hardin simmons is gonna drop a schedule soon or we're just gonna assume they won't be playing football this fall.

Howard Payne still hasn't released theirs either, unless I missed it. Nobody understands the difficulty of finding non-conference opponents in our region better than UMHB fans, but not having a schedule out less than 90 days before the season kicks off is pretty wild.

Speaking of non-conference opponents, I attended a conference at Bethel University in Minnesota and it was kind of wild how close they were to some of their conference and non conference opponents. Heck they could walk to a non conference opponent as the University of Northwestern is less then 2 miles away. I wanted to check some of the football fields out and in less then an hour I saw Bethel, Augsburg, Hamline, Macalester and former member St. Thomas. I really wanted to justify going out to Saint John's but that is one of their long drives at 76 miles which  I would gladly do to see a game but not see an empty football field.

You didn't go to the home of the Division 3 National Champions?  35 miles from Hamline.  Could have taken the real trophy and replaced it with a forgery.   

Thought about that too but I have been lucky enough to see UMHB play at UWW and La Crosse so I felt like I had a feel for what the UW system schools roughly looked.

Quote from: UMHB03 on June 12, 2026, 02:30:25 PM

Quote from: The Third Division on June 12, 2026, 01:53:35 PMEither hardin simmons is gonna drop a schedule soon or we're just gonna assume they won't be playing football this fall.

Howard Payne still hasn't released theirs either, unless I missed it. Nobody understands the difficulty of finding non-conference opponents in our region better than UMHB fans, but not having a schedule out less than 90 days before the season kicks off is pretty wild.

Speaking of non-conference opponents, I attended a conference at Bethel University in Minnesota and it was kind of wild how close they were to some of their conference and non conference opponents. Heck they could walk to a non conference opponent as the University of Northwestern is less then 2 miles away. I wanted to check some of the football fields out and in less then an hour I saw Bethel, Augsburg, Hamline, Macalester and former member St. Thomas. I really wanted to justify going out to Saint John's but that is one of their long drives at 76 miles which  I would gladly do to see a game but not see an empty football field.

Quote from: Mavchamp on May 14, 2026, 05:53:09 PMDid everyone in the ASC get a 10 game schedule?  I believe they did.

It's a step in the right direction.

I hope the ASC isn't standing pat with just six and coasting until either someone else joins or revert back to panic mode when someone jumps ship.  History has shown that both are likely to happen sooner than later.

Maybe Sul Ross and Texas Wesleyan will tire of being bottom feeders in the LSC after a while.
Maybe Wayland Baptist will start feeling the financial crunch to move from NAIA to D3 and join the other Baptist
Maybe others from the SCAC will move over (Centenary?)
Maybe Mississippi College alum will grumble enough that football will reinstate and a return to D3.
Belhaven going all the way to Virginia and North Carolina for conference games is wild...an opportunity?
Maybe a new program is on the way that will join

Anyhow..... we're in a much better place than we were this time last year.  But definitely not safe.  Hopefully more work is being done that we don't know about.

Have you seen these schedule somewhere?

Last I heard/seen HSU was struggling to find a 10th game, HPU posted a conference only schedule a couple of days ago to X and I assume you have insight into ETBU.

Texas Wesleyan makes it X official, UMHB plays at TWU on October 17th.

https://x.com/txwesfootball/status/2054286429602087021?s=46

Quote from: Patrick Coleman on April 17, 2026, 12:15:22 AM

Quote from: crufootball on April 16, 2026, 10:48:07 PM

Quote from: Ron Boerger on April 16, 2026, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: The Third Division on April 16, 2026, 12:46:13 PMSimply calling a team that's only participating in your championship weekend an affiliate member of your conference for the sole purpose of securing an automatic bid is kind of unfair honestly.

If it's permitted by the NCAA, then it's perfectly fair.  Highly unusual, yes.  And if not for the C2C doing something similar (as Pat mentioned), there would be a number of schools without access to auto bids - such as the recently crowned MBB national champions - in many sports. 

And at least millions of dollars were not involved to make this happen.

It does make me question what are the requirements to call a school an affiliate member. I watched the Datacast episode where they talked about the C2C and mentioned that Finlandia never played a single C2C member in the regular season or post season. Before they left the ASC could Concordia or LeTourneau have been declared football members that will only play members every 5th year?

You have to sponsor football to be an affiliate in the sport of football.

In this mythical situation, they would sponsor the sport just not play any games.

Quote from: Ron Boerger on April 16, 2026, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: The Third Division on April 16, 2026, 12:46:13 PMSimply calling a team that's only participating in your championship weekend an affiliate member of your conference for the sole purpose of securing an automatic bid is kind of unfair honestly.

If it's permitted by the NCAA, then it's perfectly fair.  Highly unusual, yes.  And if not for the C2C doing something similar (as Pat mentioned), there would be a number of schools without access to auto bids - such as the recently crowned MBB national champions - in many sports. 

And at least millions of dollars were not involved to make this happen.

It does make me question what are the requirements to call a school an affiliate member. I watched the Datacast episode where they talked about the C2C and mentioned that Finlandia never played a single C2C member in the regular season or post season. Before they left the ASC could Concordia or LeTourneau have been declared football members that will only play members every 5th year?

Quote from: Ralph Turner on March 27, 2026, 12:03:50 PMMcMurry's schedule is up. 9 games. Open dates are week #4 and #6.

At Southwestern, at Trinity TX, hosting Huntingdon and at Dubuque (IA). ASC games are in weeks 7-11.

Apparently, there were no open dates or "opportunity" to play a 10th game versus an SCAC team.

(Nice game to play Dubuque.) I cannot recall McMurry ever playing a team from Iowa.

Austin College or Centenary are definitely too busy when you play Westgate as they will be playing each other for what will be the second time (there could be a part 3) in 2026 and 5th time in just over a calendar year.

Quote from: Patrick Coleman on March 13, 2026, 07:40:48 PMSeems like there are some games to be played before then so I wouldn't worry too much in March.

But if Gallaudet doesn't play any SCAC teams in the regular season then those games won't do much to determine the seeds.

As far as I know Austin College is the only SCAC team to post their 2026 schedule which features a double round robin against everyone except Lyon so they aren't planning to play Gallaudet.

Quote from: Patrick Coleman on March 13, 2026, 04:40:36 PM

Quote from: crufootball on March 13, 2026, 03:30:51 PMHas there been any official announcement of Gallaudet being in the SCAC end of year tournament?

Gallaudet's schedule should be sufficient enough, right?
https://www.d3football.com/teams/Gallaudet/2026/index

Not for what I was looking for, I am curious how they are going to be seeded in that tournament.

Has there been any official announcement of Gallaudet being in the SCAC end of year tournament?