Jacksonville State is a college football team that plays in Conference USA, one of the 10 conferences that make up the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest NCAA Division I football level. The Gamecocks are one of the newest members of the FBS, having joined the conference on July 1, 2023.
But how did Jacksonville State become an FBS team? And what are their prospects and goals for the future?
When Jacksonville State Became an FBS Team
Jacksonville State’s football program dates back to 1904, when the school was known as Jacksonville State Normal School. The school changed its name several times, becoming Jacksonville State College in 1957 and Jacksonville State University in 1967.
The team competed in various regional divisions and conferences, including the Alabama Intercollegiate Conference, the Gulf South Conference, and the Ohio Valley Conference. The team also moved up from NAIA to NCAA Division II in 1977 and from Division II to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1995.
The Gamecocks enjoyed much success in their lower divisions, winning 23 conference titles and 18 playoff appearances. They also produced several notable players, such as Eric Davis, Rashad Johnson, T.J. Heath, and Josh Pearson. However, the Gamecocks had a bigger ambition: to play at the highest level of college football, the FBS.
The Gamecocks began their journey to the FBS in 2014, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference as a non-football member. The Atlantic Sun partnered with the Big South Conference, allowing its members to play football in the Big South.
The Gamecocks also started to schedule more games against FBS opponents, such as Michigan State, Auburn, LSU, and Florida State. Jacksonville State proved they could compete with the big boys, pulling off some stunning upsets, such as beating Ole Miss 48-43 in 2016 and Florida State 20-17 in 2021.
The Gamecocks’ breakthrough came in 2021 when they received an invitation to join Conference USA, one of the 10 conferences that make up the FBS. Conference USA sought new members after losing six teams to the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Along with nine other teams from the FCS — James Madison, Sam Houston State, Southern Illinois, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Kennesaw State, Eastern Washington, Montana State, and Delaware — the Gamecocks accepted the invitation. On July 1, 2023, Jacksonville State officially became an FBS team after meeting all the requirements and paying all the fees.
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The Gamecocks are now one of the 130 teams that play in the FBS. They have a new conference, a new schedule, and a new challenge. They have to face tougher competition and higher expectations, as well as recruit better players and build better facilities.
Jacksonville State must attract more fans and generate more revenue. Additionally, they have to win more games and qualify for bowl games.
The Gamecocks have a long way to go before competing with the elite teams in the FBS. However, they have the potential and ambition.
Jacksonville State has a rich history and tradition. They have a loyal fan base and a supportive administration, with a talented coach and a dynamic quarterback.
With time and the right recruiting, Jacksonville State could become a powerful team in its own right.