I thought this would go well as a companion with the What school is far better than the conference they are currently in ? thread.

I'll do New York.

Buffalo - was a private school playing college division football, then went public, then dropped football, then went to D-III, then moved to D-I. Wanted to join the America East, but the AEC decided Buffalo was too far away. Then the MAC called. Highly unlikely it goes anywhere else anytime soon.

St. Bonaventure - was really good when the Atlantic-10 formed. Probably would be in the MAAC if not for its good stretch in the 1970s. Highly unlikely it ever goes anywhere else.

Canisius, Niagara, Siena, Marist, Iona, Manhattan - All Catholic (or formerly Catholic in Marist's case) all about the same size and all located in or near cities. If Siena were as good now as they were five years ago, I'd say it would have a chance at the C7 league or A-10, but it's highly unlikely any of these schools go anywhere else.

Cornell, Columbia - Ivy (obvious)

Syracuse - In the 1970's, it had to decide whether to de-emphasize sports like other northeastern privates or go all-in. It chose to go all-in. It doesn't plan to leave the ACC any time soon, but it's now subject to any future major conference shuffling.

Colgate - Wanna-be Ivy playing other wanna-be Ivies. Stability of the Patriot League in question as some members push for increased athletic scholarships.

Binghamton, Albany, Stony Brook - The America East needed members. Albany and Stony Brook would gladly accept membership in a better conference such as the CAA and also could make a conference change for football purposes. Binghamton likely is not going anywhere.

Army - Was in the MAAC, but decided it fit better with the wanna-be Ivies. Highly unlikely it goes anywhere else. Football tried playing in a conference (C-USA) but it didn't go well, so it probably won't join a conference for football again any time soon.

Fordham - I have no idea why it's in the A-10. It was in the MAAC, then left with Army to form the Patriot League. Really belongs in the MAAC or Patriot. Full scholarship in football and could move to another league as a football-only, but highly unlikely it finds a better situation for basketball.

St. John's - original Big East member, joining the C7 league, highly unlikely it ever leaves that league.

Long Island, St. Francis, Wagner - all small, private schools in New York City. Wagner thought about joining the MAAC, but apparently was concerned about what would happen to its football team. LIU and SFC highly unlikely to ever leave the NEC.

Hofstra - Was in the East Coast Conference until it broke up then went to the America East. When the stronger members went to the CAA, it followed them. Wants to be in the A-10, but the A-10 doesn't want it. It's hard to say a team that's changed conferences as often as Hofstra has won't change conferences again, but it's hard to see them moving to a better conference. Hofstra may make what appears to be a backwards move in order to get into a conference where it's a better fit.

Missouri:

Mizzou - Original Big Eight member led it to join the Big 12. Went to the SEC for money, better football. They'll be there forever.

Missouri State - Athletic program outgrew the MIAA (Mid-America Athletic Association) in DII, was a large enough school and city that it was attractive to the MVC. Belt might be a future option given their basketball program and football improvements to come, might depend on if WKU and stAte stay there or not.

SEMO - Outgrew the MIAA as well, but it's a smaller school in a much smaller city that Missouri State, and probably didn't have a good enough of an athletic program to get into the MVC. OVC came calling, will probably be their home in the mean time, though depending on how realignment shakes out, they might end up going to a non-football conference and then try to go to Valley football.

SLU - Left the C-USA for the A10 with the idea that the C7 would break off any minute and they'd come calling. That was a decade too early, and for a while most people thought it was a mistake not to go to the MVC instead, but since their basketball has improved, Butler/VCU joined, and the C7 finally broke off, it looks like they're in the right place at the right time. Would be there until the end of time.

UCM/MO Western/MO Southern/NW Missouri/Lincoln - The first four have been in the MIAA for forever. Lincoln was a member for a while, had to go to the Heartland when they dropped football, were re-added once they restarted it. UCM has one of the best athletic programs in DII, so they're probably the only ones who could potentially go to the FCS level, but it's doubtful.

Lindenwood - Went from the HAAC in the NAIA to the MIAA, their athletic program was head and shoulders above their competition. Facilities and funding are very good right now, and their programs are already competing at a high level in the MIAA. They'll probably try to get to the FCS once their eligible.

Truman State - Long time MIAA member, joining GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference) because of travel and non-competitiveness in many of their sports, probably because their academic standards are definitely the highest of that conference. That'll be a long term move.

UMSL/Missouri S&T - GLVC members who were in the MIAA, I don't know why they moved. Can't see why they'd move, unless UMSL added football, really improved their athletic program as a whole, and wanted to go the MIAA.

UMKC - Went from independent to the Summit in the nineties since they don't have football. Why they're going to the WAC, I don't know, maybe they think they're in the seventies again. I guess that's their location in the near future.

I don't believe Missouri went to the SEC for money and better football. I maybe wrong but aren't Big12 schools making more money per school than the SEC schools..... granted that could change. Missouri often struggled in football in the Big12, I do not think they moved to play stiffer competetion in the SEC.

I believe Missouri moved to the SEC for one reason....future stability. At the time they feared the Big12 was falling apart.

it wouldnt shock me if Binghamton ended up in the Patriot league one day. Good match academically

Texas - ex-SWc, now owns and operates the Big XII

Texas Tech - ex-SWC now B12, happy to do what Texas tells them to

Baylor - see Texas Tech

TCU - SWC to WAC to CUSA MWC to BEish to B12. Happy to be back where Texas tells them what to do

aTm - SWC to B12 to SEC. Got sick of Texas telling them what to do

Houston - SWC to CUSA to nBE. Wishes Texas would talk to them

SMU - see Houston

Rice - SWC to WAC to CUSA, wonders why everyone keeps leaving

Southwest Texas State - FCS to Sun Belt, want to convince people who pay little attention that they're not a directional school and are really Texas State (see also University of Southwest Louisiana)

North Texas - FBS to Sun Belt to CUSA, happy to be directional but are confused and think they are relevant to the DFW media

UT El Paso - WAC to CUSA, glad they don't have to do what Texas tells them

UT San Antonio - nonexistence to FBS to CUSA, happy to be noticed

Lamar, Sam Houston, Stephen F Austin, Abilene Christian, Houston Baptist, Incarnate Word - FCS, so not relevant in Texas

Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern - SWAC, historically black


Most probably remain where they are for the foreseeable future.

MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA- B1G founding member. currently in B1G Will stay in B1G


wow that was exhausting !

West Virginia

WVU- Former eastern independent, was founding football member of the BE, left the BE in 2012 for the B12. Will be in B12 for foreseeable future

Marshall- Former MAC member in the 50s & 60s, kicked out for major violations in 1969, Independent from '69 to '76, joined the Southern Conference in '77, returned to the MAC in '97 to become D1-A, joined CUSA in '05 for more bowl opportunities and higher revenue. Will likely be in CUSA for the foreseeable future unless the Big East decides to call; there is also an outside chance of returning to the MAC should CUSA fall apart.

I'll do Georgia, Alabama, & Oregon

State of Georgia:

UGa- founding member of the SEC. Most likely will be there permanently.

GaTech- former SEC member, left to go indy, tried to return to SEC, then joined ACC upon rejection. For the time being, they're stable in the ACC, but they are eyed by both the B1G & Big XII as a darkhorse, out-of-the-box expansion candidate.

Georgia State- went from no football to CAA to soon FBS. Good candidate for the SunBelt.

Ga. Southern- Long time SoCon member, but has been watching several rivals leave for FBS and would like to join the exodus from FBS as well. Possibly a SunBelt expansion target.

everybody else- probably stays where they are with the possible exception of Kennessaw State. I can see them joining the CAA in the future.

State of Alabama

'Bama- founding SEC member. Not going anywhere.

Auburn-see 'Bama.

Troy- went from D2 to FCS in the Southland to FBS in the SunBelt. Upgraded baseball stadium and finally, the arena. Concerned about SunBelt departures, but likely stuck in SunBelt for now.

UAB- went from nothing to FCS to FBS indy to C-USA. Despite 'Bama holding them back, they've really defied the odds. Could be an expansion target of the BE down the road.

Jax State- went from D2 to FCS to Southland to OVC. Wants to upgrade to FBS and rejoin Troy as a conference rival in the SunBelt. Not sure if they have the support from the SunBelt or even their own board of trustees yet.

UNA- believe they're upgrading to FCS soon from D2. OVC expansion target.

Montevallo- Former member of Gulf South, but felt out of place since most schools offered football, and they did not. upgraded arena a few years ago and joined the Peach Belt, but could be a D1 upgrade down the road.

everybody else- likely stays where they are.

State of Oregon-

Oregon- founding Pac 12 member. Not leaving.

Oregon State- see Oregon.

Portland- private school happy in WCC where it can compete against Gonzaga and similar type schools.

Portland State- public school not too happy with the Big Sky and would like to move up, but with the WAC gone, it's options are severely limited. Talked about merging with state med school in Portland, and some PSU fans wouldn't mind a merger with the Oregon Institute of Technology. (located in either Medford or Klamath Falls)

everybody else- likely stays where they are, but times are hard for lower division schools on the Pacific Coast.

South Carolina

Univ. of South Carolina: Southern Conference, founding member of ACC. Got pissed off at UNC and Duke running the conference, especially regarding basketball and left in 1971. Independent until 1992. Joined the SEC, will be there forever

Clemson: Southern Conference, founding member of ACC. Considered leaving with USC, and has since reconsidered ACC membership several times. Future is uncertain

TEXAS:

University of Texas: Charter member of the SWC. Once the SWC became restrictive on exposure, revenue, and recruiting they and A&M pushed to leave for the Big 12. They looked at the PAC 12 when the tv deal looked dead without NU and CU but came back once the networks showed there was enough residual value to allay these concerns. Going forward I expect them to be in the Big 12 through the term of the GOR.

Texas A&M: Charter member of the SWC. Once the SWC became restrictive on exposure, revenue, and recruiting they and Texas pushed to leave for the Big 12. After they flirted with the SEC in 2010 they ultimately moved there in 2011 for the promises of higher payout, a new identity, and a platform to seperate from Bevo's shadow. They will likely be there going forward.

Baylor: Charter member of the SWC. Once the SWC became restrictive on exposure, revenue, and recruiting Texas and Texas A&M pushed to leave for the Big 8. Using political power both Baylor and Tech were able to squeeze two spots in what would have been a 10 team league. Going forward however BU is on it's own and will be in the Big 12 going forward.

Tech: Joined as a member of the SWC in the 1960's. Once the SWC became restrictive on exposure, revenue, and recruiting Texas and Texas A&M pushed to leave for the Big 8. Using political power both Baylor and Tech were able to squeeze two spots in what would have been a 10 team league. Tech is politically favored and will likely be wherever UT is going forward.

TCU: Joined the SWC in 1923 and played there through the league's end in the 90's. After not being selected to the Big 12 initially TCU worked to build their program up. They went to the WAC, CUSA, and the Mountain West before A&M's departure and some fortunate timing opened up a Big 12 slot for them. They are likely to be in the Big 12 going forward.

Houston: 1976 addition to the SWC after being a very strong independent prior to that. They played there until it's demise in the 90's and joined Conference USA. In 2012 they announced they would join the Big East and rejoin former CUSA foes Cincinnati, USF, and it appeared at the time Louisville. They are likely in the Big East going forward pending further shakeups.

SMU: A 1918 addition to the SWC the Mustangs played there until the 90's demise of the league. They then went to the WAC until being offered a CUSA spot beginning in 2005. Recently they accepted a Big East spot alongside longtime conference partner Houston. They are likely in the Big East going forward pending further shakeups.

Rice: A charter member of the SWC and it's greatest academic institution Rice played there until it ended in the 90's. They then left for the WAC and joined CUSA in 2005. Unless further realignment opens up a spot in the Big East or MWC it is very likely that Rice will remain in CUSA.

UTEP: Joined the WAC in 1968 and stayed there until being invited with SMU, Rice, and Tulsa to join Conference USA. Unless further realignment opens up a spot in the Big East or MWC it is very likely that UTEP will remain in CUSA.

UNT: Re-entered D1-A in 1995 and joined the Sun Belt in 2000. Since then they recently joined CUSA to replace SMU and will likely remain there unless further shakeups occur.

UTSA: Moved up from the FCS ranks where they were a member of the Southland Conference for other sports despite only recently starting football. They initially joined the WAC but have since joined CUSA where they will likely remain for a while.

Texas State: Moved up from the FCS ranks where they were a member of the Southland Conference. They initially joined the WAC but have since joined the Sun Belt where they will likely remain for a while.

Alabama: Left the Southern Conference to become a charter member of the SEC. Will likely stay there as long as the SEC exists.

Auburn: See Alabama.

UAB: Charter member of the Sun Belt, left for Great Midwest in search of better exposure for basketball. The GMC and Metro eventually merged to form C-USA. Started football as a Division III program before NCAA outlawed having football in a lower classification than the rest of the program. UAB took advantage of C-USA's collection of SWC refugees and former Eastern Independents to join their football league. Joining the Big East is possible but unlikely without departures from Connecticut and Cincinnati. More likely will be reunited with former SBC mates in C-USA.

South Alabama: charter member of Sun Belt, did not start football until recently. Rumored to have some interest from C-USA and even the Big East, but the lack of history in football probably keeps them in the Sun Belt.

Troy - Left the defunct East Coast Conference for the Mid-Continent. After 3 seasons, left for the TAAC/Atlantic Sun where they spent 7 years. Moving up in football allowed them to join the Sun Belt, where Troy is now in its 8th season. Small market and small main campus enrollment likely keeps them in the SBC for a long time.

Alabama State - HBCU unlikely to leave the SWAC, but now has an FBS-caliber on campus stadium. ASU even was in some WAC discussions as a last ditch effort to maintain FBS football.

Alabama A&M - Entered SWAC from Division II. Unlikely to leave barring a merger with cross-town UAH, which has a different academic profile.

Jacksonville State - Spent 8 seasons in TAAC/Atlantic Sun before leaving for the geographically tight OVC. JSU and Troy (then Troy State) were both football-only members of the Southland from 1996-2001, and JSU until 2003. JSU wants FBS to be reunited with longtime rival Troy, but likely needs USA to leave the SBC for that to be possible.

Samford - Was in the TAAC/Atlantic Sun from its founding in 1978 until 2003 when it joined the OVC alongside Jacksonville State. Samford had issues with scheduling in league play and eventually left for the SoCon - which also has more private schools - in 2008.

Nevada: Originally the University of Nevada, was forced to add Reno to the academic title when the satellite campus in Vegas was made its own university. Indy to Far West to NAIA Indy to Far West to Indy to D-II Indy to 1-AA Indy to Big Sky to Big West to WAC to MWC with lots of near-misses and, from what I read somewhere, nearly joining the predecessor to the Pac-12 somewhere in between. Happy in the MWC. Only way they leave is if the Pac-12 comes calling.

UNLV: Founded as a southern satellite campus of the U of N, then became Nevada Southern University then finally the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Still known as Nevada Southern to the true University of Nevada. D-II Indy to 1-AA Indy to Big West to WAC to MWC. Happy in the MWC. Only way they leave is if the Pac-12 comes calling.