Missouri State is moving to Divsion 1 full-time, including for college football.

 

The school announced they will become the 12th full member of Conference USA when they join in 2025. Missouri State joins Delaware and Kennesaw State as FCS programs to make the jump to CUSA.

 

Athletic Director Kyle Moats says this is an opportunity that makes sense for the school.

 

The Bears have been a long member of the Missouri Valley, competing in FCS since 1981. They appeared in four NCAA playoffs, including in 2020 and 2021 under coach Bobby Petrino.

 

Moats says they aren't worried about losing money switching to a new conference.

 

CUSA lost six members to the American Athletic Conference and have rebuilt by adding former independent schools Liberty and New Mexico State, as well as former FCS programs Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State.