Southland Conference

Rumors recently began circulating on social media that Lamar is considering discontinuing its football program. These rumors appeared following a report from KFDM Channel 6 in Beaumont on the cost of the Cardinals football program. The story featured comments from two students on the mandatory athletic fee of $10.58 per semester credit hour. The fee is used for athletic scholarships, operations, and facility improvements.

Both students discussed how they feel the cost is a waste, with the football program struggling to win games in recent years. The report stated that Lamar’s football program costs $3.9 million annually and generates $3.6 million in revenue, leaving the university to cover the remaining costs. 

Understandably, students are frustrated with a football program that has won nine games total since the Cardinals made a run to the FCS playoffs in 2018. However, according to sources close to the situation, Lamar has no plans to discontinue its football program. The football program’s bottom line could be in the black if they start winning games and give the fan base a reason to attend.

Another sign the university is committed to its football program is the school is upgrading the videoboard and sound system inside Provost Umphrey Stadium, which is expected to be ready for the 2023 campaign and installed new turf before the 2021 season. The board will be 63 feet wide by 35 feet tall and is funded through private donations. The new videoboard costs around $2 million, according to sources.

United Athletic Conference

• The Western Athletic Conference and the ASUN announced their intentions to rebrand as a single-sport conference known as the United Athletic Conference. The conferences have played the last two seasons as an alliance, with the champion earning an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. That NCAA waiver expires soon. The UAC still needs final approval from the NCAA. Official logos and a website will be released in the coming months.
• Tarleton held its spring game last Saturday, with the Purple Team defeating the White Team 57-56 on a 36-yard TD pass from Brody Davis to Tate Abel with one second left on the clock.

Lone Star Conference

• Zachary Bohannon shined for Midwestern State in its annual Maroon & Gold Spring Game last Saturday. Bohanon completed 12-of-19 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns. Bohannon used the wind at his back to hit freshman speedster Tyreon Key for touchdowns of 78 and 69 yards in the second quarter. Key finished with 147 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four receptions.

American Southwest Conference

• McMurry released its 2023 schedule, which includes five home games. The War Hawks open the season against Birmingham-Southern, with the site and time to be determined. Other non-conference games for McMurry include a road trip to Millsaps and a home game against Lyon, who is transitioning to Division III from NAIA.

Southern Athletic Association

• Southwestern announced its 2023 schedule, with the Pirates moving to the SAA as an affiliate member this year. The Pirates begin the season with a road trip to California Lutheran before returning home to meet former ASC rival Texas Lutheran. The remainder of Southwestern’s schedule is against conference opponents.

Southwestern Junior College Football Conference

• Defending SWJCFC champions Trinity Valley released its 2023 schedule featuring a Week 0 contest against Snow College at Malakoff. TVCC has two bye weeks, Week 2 and Week 6. The Cardinals other non-conference game after playing Snow is on the road against Air Force Prep in Week 3.