The future of football at several Louisiana universities has become a topic of debate following concerns about athletic department finances and suggestions that some schools consider competing at a lower level.

Louisiana Tech, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Louisiana at Monroe are at the center of the discussion after questions were raised during a September 22 meeting of the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Board member Wilbert Pryor suggested that the universities consider moving their football programs from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a possible way to reduce athletic expenses.

All three universities currently compete at the FBS level, the highest subdivision of NCAA Division I football.

The suggestion has drawn considerable attention from university officials, alumni and fans concerned about what such a move could mean for their athletic programs.

During the hearing, Pryor cited reported athletic budget shortfalls of approximately $20 million at UL Lafayette, $17 million at Louisiana Tech and $10 million at ULM. Those figures have become a central part of the discussion, although questions remain about how the financial numbers are calculated and whether changing football classifications would produce meaningful savings.

Moving the three schools to FCS would place them in the same football subdivision as several other University of Louisiana System institutions, including Northwestern State, Grambling State, McNeese State, Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana University.

However, moving from FBS to FCS would bring significant changes. The universities could face reduced television revenue, smaller payouts from games against major programs and changes in conference membership, recruiting and scheduling.

Louisiana Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey has raised concerns about the financial benefits of such a move, arguing that the university could lose substantial revenue without significantly reducing its operating expenses.

Financial Review Underway

University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot has acknowledged that changes may be necessary to address the growing financial pressures facing college athletics.

The system has hired consulting firm Deloitte to conduct a comprehensive review of athletic finances at its eight universities and recommend ways to improve long-term financial stability.

The $150,000 study will examine a range of possibilities, including maintaining current athletic classifications, moving to a lower NCAA subdivision or division, and identifying other ways to control expenses and increase revenue.

The findings are expected to be presented to the University of Louisiana System Board by the end of 2026.

LSU Also Facing Financial Challenges

University of Louisiana System schools are not the only ones facing financial concerns.

LSU, which operates under a separate university system, is also facing athletic budget difficulties. University officials recently reported a projected $26 million athletic deficit for the 2026–27 fiscal year, following a $44 million shortfall in the previous year.

No Decision Has Been Made

Despite the attention surrounding Pryor’s comments, there is currently no formal action underway by the Louisiana Board of Regents to move Louisiana Tech, UL Lafayette or ULM to FCS.

Pryor has since clarified that he intended his remarks to raise questions about financial sustainability rather than announce an official proposal.

For now, all three universities remain at the FBS level, and no decision has been announced to change their football classifications.

The findings of the financial review could help shape the future of college athletics across the University of Louisiana System, with decisions potentially affecting not only football programs but also university budgets, athletic opportunities and the communities that support these schools.

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