The Southern Conference Approves Tennessee Tech Membership

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced today that Tennessee Tech University will become a member effective July 1, 2026, and will begin competition for the 2026-27 academic year.

"Tennessee Tech’s addition reaffirms that ‘It’s All Here’ in the Southern Conference — the premier FCS athletics experience in the South,” said Southern Conference Commissioner Dr. Michael Cross. “Tech strengthens our geographic footprint, reinforces our Southern identity, and enters at a time of tremendous regional growth. This move builds rivalries, solves scheduling challenges, maximizes budgets, and enhances the student-athlete experience with competitive play and reasonable travel. Tech’s leadership shares the SoCon’s collaborative, forward-thinking vision, and their ongoing facility investments show a commitment to thriving in a changing athletics landscape. With Tennessee Tech, the SoCon delivers on its promise: championship-level FCS competition, academic excellence, and an unmatched student-athlete experience.

"The University’s strong commitment to academic excellence also complements the Southern Conference. As a Carnegie R2 research institution focused on preparing graduates for successful careers, Tech is an ideal fit for a league that values the complete student-athlete experience.”

The Southern Conference's Council of Presidents voted unanimously to accept Tennessee Tech's application for membership on Wednesday morning. The decision marks the SoCon's first change in full membership since adding ETSU, Mercer, and VMI in 2014.

"Geographically, the states with SoCon teams fit the footprint of our students and alumni, so our move makes sense in those terms," said Tennessee Tech President Dr. Phil Oldham. "Beyond that, our students and fans will have a chance to be a part of new rivalries and new traditions that can create lifetime memories.

"College athletics is experiencing unprecedented change, and Tennessee Tech is committed to navigating those changes by putting our student-athletes and coaches in the best position to win and become successful leaders. Being accepted by the SoCon shows they recognized this commitment and the history of excellence at Tennessee Tech. We are honored to join the Southern Conference and compete for championships."

The Golden Eagles participate in 14 sports currently sponsored by the SoCon and have won 27 conference team championships since 2000. Women's basketball won the OVC tournament title in 2025 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament – the program's 15th appearance since 1982. All told, Tennessee Tech has captured 85 conference titles and has seen 69 teams advance to NCAA postseason play since joining the OVC. The Golden Eagles captured a share of the OVC-Big South Football Association title in 2024 and are ranked in the preseason Top 25 heading into this season.

“Tennessee Tech Athletics also brings championship-caliber strength to the SoCon,” added Cross. “Their recent success speaks for itself — a 2024 football championship and a preseason Top 25 ranking this year, a women’s basketball program ranked 22nd all-time in Division I wins, and consistent NCAA Tournament appearances across multiple sports. With an 88% graduation success rate and strong APR scores, Tech proves that winning and academic achievement go hand-in-hand — the Southern Conference standard."

Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Tech saw its enrollment reach 10,511 students overall in the fall of 2024, with 9,187 undergraduates pursuing degrees in 10 colleges and schools. The top programs of study by enrollment are mechanical engineering, computer science, nursing, biology, and business management.

Athletics facilities on campus include 16,500-seat Tucker Stadium, home of the 2024 OVC-Big South Champion football team, and the 9,852-seat Hooper Eblen Center, host of the Golden Eagles’ basketball and volleyball programs.

"Tennessee Tech University's addition to the Southern Conference strengthens our collective commitment to excellence both in the classroom and competitively,” said Western Carolina Chancellor Dr. Kelli Brown, Chair of the Council of Southern Conference Presidents. “As fellow institutions dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes, we welcome the Golden Eagles to a conference that has always prioritized academic achievement alongside athletic success. Tech's impressive track record and shared values make them a natural fit for the SoCon, and we look forward to the rivalries and collaborative opportunities this partnership will create."

For more information on the Southern Conference, visit soconsports.com.

About the Southern Conference

The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. 

About Tennessee Tech University

With more than 225 programs of study and over 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech University is Cookeville, Tenn.'s nationally ranked and locally loved university, known for producing practical, ready-to-work graduates prepared to compete in a technologically driven world. Tennessee Tech is recognized as a "Best National University" by U.S. News & World Report and as the number one "Best Value" public university in the state by SmartAsset. Learn more at tntech.edu.