The Sun Belt Conference has revealed its eagerly awaited football schedule for the 2025 season, marking the league's 25th year of competitive play. This season will showcase a total of 56 conference matches, with each team playing eight games within the league. The schedule includes six divisional matchups and two cross-divisional contests, along with eight midweek games that will be broadcast on ESPN platforms. The kickoff times for the first three weeks are set to be announced in late May. Teams from both the East and West divisions have unique schedules filled with challenging opponents, ensuring an exciting season ahead.
Highlights of the 2025 Season
This upcoming season promises thrilling moments as each Sun Belt team prepares for their eight conference games. The teams will face off against six divisional rivals and two cross-divisional opponents, providing a balanced mix of familiar and new challenges. Additionally, the inclusion of eight midweek games adds an extra layer of excitement, all of which will be televised on ESPN platforms. The schedule also features a diverse array of non-conference games, giving fans plenty to look forward to throughout the season.
In detail, the East Division teams like App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Marshall, and Old Dominion have a robust lineup of matches. For instance, App State will start its season with a home game against Charlotte on August 29, followed by several key matchups including a visit to Southern Miss and Boise State. Similarly, Coastal Carolina will kick off its season with a road trip to Virginia before hosting Charleston Southern and facing other formidable opponents. Each team's schedule is carefully crafted to provide a competitive and engaging experience for players and spectators alike.
Key Matchups and Championship Game
The 2025 Sun Belt Conference season is packed with high-stakes games that promise intense competition. Each team in both divisions will engage in critical battles that could determine playoff positions and overall success. The midweek games, exclusively broadcast on ESPN, add an element of unpredictability and excitement. Moreover, the championship game scheduled for December 6, titled the Hercules Tires Sun Belt Football Championship Game, stands out as the pinnacle event of the season.
Looking deeper into the West Division, teams such as Arkansas State, Louisiana, ULM, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Troy have equally compelling schedules. Arkansas State begins its campaign against Southeast Missouri State and will face tough opponents like Iowa State and Kennesaw State. Louisiana, known for its strong performances, starts with Rice and will test its mettle against Missouri and Eastern Michigan. Meanwhile, ULM kicks off with Saint Francis and faces a series of challenging games, including a showdown with UTEP and Northwestern. The season culminates with the championship game, where the top teams from each division will battle it out for supremacy, making it a must-watch event for all football enthusiasts.