N※N

CUSA welcomes MoState football to media day

Conference USA Embraces Missouri State Football at Annual Media Day Festivities

In a vibrant display of conference expansion and collegiate football's evolving landscape, Conference USA (CUSA) officially welcomed Missouri State University into its fold during the league's annual Football Media Day event held in Dallas, Texas. The gathering, which brought together coaches, players, and media representatives from all member institutions, marked a significant milestone for the Bears as they transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). This move not only bolsters CUSA's footprint in the Midwest but also injects fresh energy into a conference that has undergone substantial realignment in recent years.

Missouri State, long a staple in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) at the FCS level, announced its intention to join CUSA back in 2022, with the full transition set to take effect for the 2025 season. The Bears' inclusion expands CUSA to 11 football-playing members, joining established programs like Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, and Western Kentucky. This addition comes at a time when conference realignment has reshaped the college football map, with CUSA strategically positioning itself as a competitive Group of Five league amid the dominance of Power Five conferences.

At the heart of the media day festivities was Missouri State's head coach, Ryan Beard, who took the podium with evident enthusiasm. Beard, who assumed the role in December 2022 after serving as the Bears' defensive coordinator, emphasized the program's readiness for the FBS leap. "This is more than just a step up; it's a new chapter for Missouri State football," Beard stated. "We've built a foundation of toughness and resilience in the MVFC, and we're excited to bring that Bear mentality to CUSA. Our players are hungry, our staff is prepared, and our fans are ready to roar in this new arena."

Beard's comments resonated throughout the event, where Missouri State was spotlighted as the conference's newest member. The Bears' transition involves significant upgrades, including facility enhancements at Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Missouri, which is undergoing renovations to meet FBS standards. The university has committed to increasing scholarships from the FCS limit of 63 to the FBS cap of 85, a move that will allow for deeper roster building. Additionally, Missouri State is ramping up its recruiting efforts, targeting talent from the Midwest and beyond to compete in a conference known for its parity and upset potential.

One of the key figures drawing attention was quarterback Jacob Clark, a redshirt senior who has been instrumental in Missouri State's recent successes. Clark, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in the 2023 season, expressed optimism about the move. "Playing in CUSA means bigger stages, tougher opponents, and more eyes on us," Clark said. "I've dreamed of competing at the FBS level, and now it's happening. We're not just here to participate; we're here to win games and make noise." Clark's leadership will be crucial as the Bears navigate a challenging inaugural CUSA schedule, which includes matchups against conference heavyweights like Liberty and Western Kentucky.

Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod echoed the excitement, highlighting how Missouri State's addition aligns with the league's vision. "Missouri State brings a rich tradition of excellence and a passionate fan base to CUSA," MacLeod remarked during her opening address. "Their commitment to academics, athletics, and community engagement fits perfectly with our values. This expansion strengthens our geographic diversity and enhances the competitive balance of the conference." MacLeod also touched on the broader implications of realignment, noting that CUSA has successfully navigated the loss of teams to other conferences by proactively adding programs like Missouri State, which helps maintain stability and relevance in the Group of Five landscape.

The media day event itself was a whirlwind of activities, from panel discussions to one-on-one interviews, allowing journalists to delve into the intricacies of each team's preparations. For Missouri State, much of the conversation centered on the challenges of the FCS-to-FBS transition. Historically, such moves have been met with mixed results—programs like Appalachian State and Georgia Southern thrived after similar jumps, while others faced initial growing pains. Beard addressed this head-on, pointing to the Bears' 8-5 record in 2023, which included a playoff appearance, as evidence of their preparedness. "We've got the talent and the scheme to compete right away," he asserted. "Our defense, which ranked among the top in the MVFC for sacks and turnovers, will be our calling card in CUSA."

Defensively, Missouri State boasts standouts like linebacker Ferrin Manulelua, a tackling machine who led the team with over 100 stops last season. Manulelua, a native of Hawaii, shared his personal journey during a breakout session. "Coming from the islands to Missouri was a culture shock, but it's made me tougher," he said. "Now, stepping up to FBS, it's about proving we belong. We're not intimidated; we're motivated." On the offensive side, running back Jacardia Wright, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2023, is expected to anchor a ground game that could exploit CUSA defenses known for their speed rather than size.

Beyond the on-field aspects, the event underscored the cultural and economic impacts of Missouri State's entry into CUSA. Springfield, a city of about 170,000, stands to benefit from increased visibility and tourism associated with FBS football. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, are already gearing up for larger crowds on game days. University President Clif Smart, who attended the media day, spoke about the institutional commitment. "This isn't just about football; it's about elevating Missouri State as a whole," Smart explained. "Our enrollment, research initiatives, and community partnerships will all see positive ripple effects from this move."

As the day progressed, interactions between Missouri State representatives and their new conference peers highlighted the welcoming atmosphere. Coaches from other CUSA teams, such as Liberty's Jamey Chadwell, offered words of encouragement. "Missouri State's got a solid program, and they'll fit right in," Chadwell noted. "We've all been through transitions, and it builds character. Looking forward to those battles on the field." Such camaraderie is a hallmark of CUSA, which prides itself on fostering rivalries while maintaining a sense of unity among its members.

Looking ahead, Missouri State's 2025 schedule will be a true test of their mettle. While the full slate hasn't been finalized, early indications suggest road trips to face teams like Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee, with home games against newcomers like Kennesaw State. The Bears will also continue non-conference rivalries, potentially scheduling games against in-state foes like Missouri or Arkansas State to build regional interest.

In terms of broader conference storylines, media day also touched on CUSA's push for greater national recognition. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, including a guaranteed spot for the top Group of Five champion, there's renewed optimism. MacLeod emphasized initiatives like enhanced media partnerships and digital streaming to boost visibility. For Missouri State, this means immediate opportunities to compete for bowl berths and perhaps even a shot at the playoff if they can string together wins in their debut season.

Players and coaches alike stressed the importance of fan support in this transition. Missouri State's booster club, the Bears Fund, has seen a surge in donations, funding everything from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals to travel budgets. "Our fans are the heartbeat of this program," Beard said in closing. "From the Ozarks to across the country, we're calling on everyone to join us on this journey."

As the media day wrapped up, the sense of anticipation was palpable. Missouri State's entry into CUSA represents not just a new beginning for the Bears but a reaffirmation of the conference's resilience and ambition. In an era of constant change in college athletics, stories like this remind us of the enduring appeal of underdog narratives and the thrill of competition. The Bears are poised to make their mark, and if their media day debut is any indication, CUSA is all the better for it.

(Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full KOLR Springfield Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/cusa-welcomes-mostate-football-media-202952743.html ]