FCS

On Monday, Texas A&M-Commerce President Dr. Mark Rudin posted a message on social media stating that he “confirmed with the chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents (BOR) and the chancellor that no vote will be taken on any rebranding of A&M-Commerce at this week’s BOR meeting.”

Lions Director of Athletics Jim Curry told me during Southland Conference Media Day that Texas A&M University-Dallas at Commerce was never considered despite initial reports. He also said the university considers rebranding a “40-year decision” instead of a “four-year decision.” You can watch the entire conversation here.

While those opposed to another name change have helped pause the action for now, the university’s administration could’ve avoided some of the negative publicity by being open about their intentions from the beginning. Curry points to the rapidly expanding DFW Metroplex, and the university believes that expansion could reach Commerce within the next 10 years.

However, Curry also discussed the need to balance the university’s desire to identify as urban with its need to retain its rural roots. Interestingly, the students who contacted me and whom I’ve spoken with said the overwhelming majority of current students are not concerned about the university's name. Sources within the university said the big-money donors understand the need to rebrand but also realize the need to listen to the alums. Other sources point out that the university has undergone six previous name changes and stresses the importance of getting it right this time.

One sentiment offered by many without ties to the university but are college football fans is the desire to see the school named East Texas A&M and the return of the logo from that era. Fans of other teams in the Southland Conference and non-FBS fans across the state expressed their intention to purchase apparel if the university uses the East Texas A&M logo with the “ET” logo pictured below.

The long-term question is whether the university can tie itself to the DFW Metroplex while retaining its East Texas heritage. How that can be accomplished is the mission of those looking to rebrand. Everyone agrees that rebranding is expensive, and sources I’ve spoken to understand the cost of rebranding could be largely mitigated by merchandise sales if the university chooses East Texas A&M.

The Southland Conference held its Media Day inside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The festivities coincided with the Texas High School Coaches Association convention, and the Southland hit a home run by holding its Media Day in conjunction with the THSCA. The conference topped off the successful weekend by announcing that it is teaming up with All Elite Wrestling to present custom belts to its championship winners.

NCAA Division II

Multiple sources indicate that on-campus interviews at UTPB have concluded during its search for a new athletic director. According to sources, multiple candidates impressed the search committee during the interview portion. The search now moves into the final steps of the process, and a decision could be reached within the next week.

Lone Star Conference Commissioner Jay Poerner announced teams will be allowed to use replay technology on the sidelines and in the coaching booth this season. Some coaches said they preferred to have the helmet communication, which costs significantly less, before the sideline replay technology. However, the NCAA only approved helmet communication for FBS schools this season.