Delaware and Missouri State officially joined Conference USA on Tuesday, giving the league 11 long-term members. With the additions, the FBS expanded to 136 teams, the most in history. Five members of Conference USA have moved to the FBS level since 2023.

Both programs were competitive at the FCS level and earned playoff appearances multiple times in the prior five years. The key now is to make an impact at the FBS level before they lose this opportunity.

As they enter the FBS, Delaware and Missouri State will be ineligible for the postseason in 2025 as they undergo a transitional season. This was a scenario faced by James Madison in 2022, which similarly affected its season. After initial legal threats, they conceded to the situation.

Both Delaware and Missouri State have ambitious aims as they enter Conference USA, with some key facts about each institution on their inaugural day in the FBS ranks included below.

Delaware Blue Hens

• Head Coach: Ryan Carty (26-11 in four seasons, all at Delaware)
• 2024 Results: 9-2, 6-2 Coastal Athletic Association
• Program Resume: 739-485-44 record, 6 national championships (5 D-II, 1 FCS), 24 playoff appearances, 26-18 record, 17 conference titles
• Notable Alumni: Joe and Jill Biden, Joe Flacco, Chris Christie, Elena Delle Donne, Rich Gannon, Jeff Pearlman

Delaware has established itself as a strong contender in the Northeastern sub-FBS landscape, having achieved significant success in the FCS tournament.

Missouri State Bears

• Head Coach: Ryan Beard (12-11 in two seasons, all at Missouri State)
• 2024 Results: 8-4, 6-2 Missouri Valley Conference
• Program Resume: 492-532-39 record, 10 conference championships, 5 playoff appearances, 1-4 record
• Notable Alumni: John Goodman, Ryan Howard, Jackie Stiles, Clay Harbor, David Glass

Missouri State is known for its investment in facilities to support its program and hopes to make its mark in the FBS.