The 2026 Sun Belt football season will officially begin with Media Days on July 15 and 16 in New Orleans, where the conference’s top storylines will unfold before a national audience on ESPN+. Two separate feeds will broadcast the traditional analysis show and a podium‑style feed that captures full team appearances.
A Milestone for the Conference
The Sun Belt earned its first-ever berth into the College Football Playoff after a 2025 season that topped non‑autonomy conferences in bowl winning percentage. The breakthrough has raised expectations across the league and added a new layer of excitement to the upcoming media event.
Among the highlighted participants is Evan Crenshaw, a senior punter from Troy, who is one of three finalists for the 2025 Ray Guy Award. Joining him on the stage will be new head coaches Ryan Beard, Billy Napier and Blake Anderson, each poised to make their debut in the conference.
Sonny Cumbie‑led Louisiana Tech will appear at Media Days for the first time, adding a fresh perspective from a program that has been rebuilding under his guidance. The presence of multiple new coaches underscores the turnover shaping the league’s competitive landscape.
Commissioner Keith Gill will open the festivities on July 15 with a State of the Conference address, outlining the league’s strategic initiatives and celebrating the historic playoff achievement that has put the Sun Belt on the national stage.
The schedule splits the event by division: Sun Belt East teams will take the spotlight on July 15, while West Division programs will be featured on July 16. This arrangement allows fans to explore the distinct narratives of each group before the season officially kicks off.