Louisiana Tech finds itself listed on both Conference USA and Sun Belt football schedules for 2026 as the school battles over its departure date from C-USA. Conference USA announced its 2026 schedule Thursday, including the Bulldogs, followed by the Sun Belt's Friday release that also featured Louisiana Tech. This scheduling overlap creates significant complications for the program.

The dispute centers on Louisiana Tech's planned move to the Sun Belt, which the school accepted in July 2025 with plans to join "no later than July 1, 2027." However, school officials informed C-USA of their intention to leave July 1, 2026, triggering negotiations that have since broken down. The University of Louisiana System filed suit earlier this month seeking immediate departure rights.

With 20 scheduled games now on the books, Louisiana Tech faces a complex situation. The school argues that C-USA's proposed 2026 football schedule left them no choice but to pursue legal action. This scheduling standoff highlights the messy realities of conference realignment, where schools must navigate contractual obligations while planning their athletic futures.