Get a clearer picture of the SBC’s football history, top teams, and best players of Sun Belt Conference Football. Discover the incredible non-conference wins that put this conference on the college football map and the schools that have won the most Sun Belt Football Championships. In this feature, we will dive into the history and legacy of the SBC in football, and what sets it apart from other conferences.
The Men of Troy Have Ruled the SBC
Troy University has been the powerhouse in the Sun Belt Conference, winning a remarkable seven SBC football championships. The most recent one came in 2023 when they defeated Appalachian State for the title. That’s an impressive achievement for any team, let alone one that has only been a member of the conference since 2004. From 2006 to 2010, Troy won five championships – either outright or shared. It’s clear that when it comes to success in the Sun Belt, Troy football reigns supreme!
The Sun Belt is currently divided into East and West divisions. The division winners face each other in the SBC title game to determine the conference football champion.
| SBC Programs With Most Titles | Conference Titles | Last SBC Title |
|---|---|---|
| Troy | 6 | 2023 |
| Arkansas State | 6 | 2016 |
| Appalachian State | 4 | 2019 |
| Louisiana Uof L’s 2013 title was vacated because of NCAA infractions | 3 | 2021 |
| North Texas (Former Member) | 4 | 2004 |
| Middle Tennessee (Former Member) | 2 | 2006 |
| Georgia Southern | 1 | 2014 |
| Louisiana Monroe | 1 | 2005 |
| Florida Atlantic (Former Member) | 1 | 2007 |
| Florid International (Former Member) | 1 | 2010 |
FCS Champs Now Compete at FBS Level in the Belt
The Sun Belt is home to some of the most impressive football programs in the country. Many of these teams have a rich history in the FCS, with multiple championship titles to their name. Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, James Madison, Marshall, and Louisiana Monroe are all former FCS powers that have made the jump to the FBS level. It’s been exciting to see them compete against new opponents and showcase their skills at the higher level.
Georgia Southern, with six FCS championships under their belt, heads the pack, followed closely by Appalachian State with three titles, James Madison and Marshall with two titles each, and Louisiana Monroe with one. These teams have brought their experience and dominance to the FBS level, and the Sun Belt Conference is all the more exciting for it.
Sun Belt Conference Signature Wins
2024 – The Dukes Drop 70 on North Carolina
A September 21 matchup featured 3-0 James Madison visiting 3-0 North Carolina in Chapel Hill. By game’s end UNC fans were familiar with the name Alonza Barnett III passed for 5 TDs and ran for two more as JMU defeated North Carolina 70-50.
2022 – A Sweep of the Irish, Huskers and Aggies
The Belt may be labeled as a Group of Five Conference, but SBC teams have landed many knock out punches to power conference foes. A vivid example of the Sun Belt generating College Football Upsets was witnessed early in the 2022 season. In one ‘powerful’ weekend, the conference roared loudly with three incredible road wins. The 9/11/22 trifecta included.
- Marshall 26 – No. 8 Notre Dame 21
- Appalachian State 17 – No. 6 Texas A&M 14
- Georgia Southern 45 – Nebraska 42
Sun Belt Teams That Have Won National Championships
The SBC is built in large part by a group of schools that achieved great success in FCS football before advancing to the FBS ranks.
- Appalachian State won three consecutive FCS National Championships (2005-2007). It was during the 2007 season that Appalachian State shocked the college football world by upsetting No. 5 Michigan 34-32. The Mountaineers joined the FBS in 2014.
- Georgia Southern has won six national titles at the FCS level. The Eagles took championship flight in 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999 and 2000. Georgia Southern moved up to FBS in 2014.
- Louisiana Monroe won the FCS national title in 1987 with a roster headlined by QB Stan Humphries. The university jumped to the FBS level in 1994.
- Marshall won the 1992 and 1996 FBS national championships.
- James Madison captured two national titles before moving to FBS football in 2022. The Dukes were NCAA 1-AA champs in 2004 and FCS champs in 2016.
Sun Belt Football Programs that have produced Pro Football Hall of Fame Members
SBC programs have generated a long list of players that have made a big impact on the NFL. The pro football legends include the greatest punter in NFL history, a 3-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champions.
| Program | # of Inductees | Pro Football Hall of Fame Members |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall | 2 | Frank Gatski, Randy Moss |
| Southern Miss | 2 | Ray Guy, Brett Favre |
| James Madison | 1 | Charles Haley |
| Troy | 1 | DeMarcus Ware |
Sun Belt Conference School Nicknames
- Appalachian State Mountaineers
- Arkansas State Red Wolves
- Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
- Georgia Southern Eagles
- Georgia State Panthers
- James Madison Dukes
- Louisiana Rajun’ Cajuns
- Marshall Thundering Herd
- Old Dominion Monarchs
- South Alabama Jaguars
- Southern Miss Golden Eagles
- Texas State Bobcats
- Troy Trojans
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Sun Belt Football Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When was the conference formed
A. 1976
Q. When did the conference first sponsor football
A. 2001
Q. What schools were the original members of the conference
A. The SBC was originally comprised of six universities to include the University of New Orleans, Jacksonville University, North Carolina Charlotte, South Florida, Georgia State and South Alabama. Only South Alabama and Georgia State remain.