As happens about once a decade, Conference USA is turning over, starting now.
Gone are Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, UTSA, North Texas, UAB and Rice, six schools from markets with an average population of 4.5 million. In are Jacksonville State (Alabama, not Florida), Liberty and its $1.7 billion endowment, New Mexico State and Sam Houston State, four schools from markets with an average population of 135,000.
Hanging around are UTEP, Louisiana Tech, Florida International, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. In the wings is Kennesaw State, which will join after the next athletic season.
Who are these people joining Conference USA and where are they coming from?