Tennessee Tech’s mix of strong academics and competitive athletics are part of what made it an appealing addition for the Southern Conference.
That according to Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross. Tech the first new addition to the conference since 2013. Cross said each new member has to have the ability to add to the conference.
“As we looked at the landscape and got into conversations with people, it really felt like Tennessee Tech was going to provide the ability to check the box on all those fronts and make our conference better,” Cross said. “And I think also, improve their competitive standing within the college landscape nationally.”
Cross said the bylaw process requires two thirds of the members to approve a new member. Cross said the formal voting process was quick once member schools reviewed what Tech has to offer. The Golden Eagles officially join the Southern Conference in July of 2026.
Cross will be in Cookeville to visit Tech and the staff for the first time on Tuesday. During this visit, Cross hopes to answer questions on Tech’s end and ensure the school gets off to a good start with the conference when they officially become a member in 2026.
Cross said anytime a decision is made to admit a new member, they need to have staying power. Cross said Tech’s forward thinking leadership and ability for collaboration helped them stand out.
On the athletic side, Cross said member schools need to have the ability for competitive success. He said Tech has demonstrated that with a top-25 ranked football program, and continual winning from women’s basketball.
Tech’s strong baseball program was a big draw for the conference to target Tech. Cross said Tech is joining the conference in a time where it is ranked the sixth best for baseball.
“We feel like adding a team that can bring in another 30, 40, 35, 45 wins into the SoCon is going to help our teams’ ability to have high seeds in the NCAA Tournament'” Cross said. “I’ll even be so bold as to say let’s see if we can figure out a way to get a second team into the tournament.”
Cross said bringing Tech into the conference is a win-win for both sides. He said Tech’s decision to leave the Ohio Valley Conference could not have been made lightly, since they have spent three quarters of a century in it. Cross said the conference has to have good discernment on which schools they decide to admit.
“We have a catchphrase in our conference, the catchphrase is ‘It’s all here,'” Cross said. “And you know, ot has to do with all the things I’ve talked about. Academic quality, the student athlete experience, exposure, and making sure we’re maintaining our geographic footprint.”
Cross will be in Cookeville to visit Tech and the staff for the first time on Tuesday. During this visit, Cross hopes to answer questions on Tech’s end and ensure the school gets off to a good start with the conference when they officially become a member in 2026.
