Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball

Coastal Carolina faces critical questions as Cam Flukey’s recent struggle put their championship hopes under the spotlight.

After giving up six runs in just over two innings against Georgia Southern, Flukey’s performance drew commentary from Dave Schultz and fiery defense from Kevin Schnall, who insists Flukey is the "ultimate competitor" destined to be a slam-dunk MLB draft pick.

Can the Chanticleers rally behind their ace, or are deeper issues looming ahead of the Sun Belt Conference tournament?
Schultz also spotlights Sun Belt weekend matchups, RPI battles, and how defending plays and pitching rota...

Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss gear up for a high-stakes push toward the NCAA baseball tournament, but which Sun Belt powerhouse will lock in hosting rights—and which underdog could steal an at-large berth?

Dave Schultz breaks down the shifting RPI landscape, spotlighting Arkansas State’s sudden surge and the pressure on Louisiana to bounce back from a costly loss to UNO.

As South Alabama, Troy, and Texas State fight to keep their postseason dreams alive, every series win—and loss—takes on amplified significance.

Key topics include App State’s season-defining clash with Louis...

College football faces a seismic shift as coaches push for a 24-team playoff format, sidelining Group of Six schools and shaking up Power 4 dynamics.

Is widening the field really a win for underdogs, or does it tighten the grip of powerhouse conferences?

Dave Schultz unpacks the American Football Coaches Association’s proposal, the fight over conference championship games, and what it means for teams like the Sun Belt’s Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and JMU.

Meanwhile, Arkansas State’s Ckyler Tangler stuns with a no-hitter against Little Rock, and Troy stages a late rally to toppl...

Sun Belt baseball enters “cancellation season” as postponed games spark controversy over RPI manipulation and postseason hopes. South Alabama drops their Alabama State matchup, while North Carolina State and others cancel late-season games against low-RPI opponents.

Should the NCAA selection committee punish teams for these strategic cancellations, or will coaches keep gaming the system?

Dave Schultz spotlights Louisiana’s setback as all-conference second baseman Rigoberto Hernandez is sidelined for the year, breaking down his impact at the plate and in the field.

Key storylines include the high-stakes App State vs. Louisiana series, Sun Belt t...

Southern Miss, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, and South Alabama sweep their weekend series, shaking up the Sun Belt baseball standings and reigniting at-large NCAA tournament hopes. Can the Cajuns ride their late-season surge into postseason contention?

Dave Schultz spotlights key pitching performances, pivotal RPI shifts, and the sudden vulnerability of teams like Texas State after a tough stretch.

Analysis focuses on the Sun Belt’s growing RPI problem, with sweeps not always translating to upward movement and teams like Coastal Carolina struggling to finish the job against underdogs.

The episode breaks down Troy’s stumbl...

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns surge with key wins—can they clinch an NCAA tournament bid before time runs out?

Dave Schultz breaks down the Cajuns’ recent hot streak, spotlighting standout pitching from Cody Brash and Andrew Herrmann. With series victories over Arkansas State and strong midweek performances, Louisiana rises in the RPI rankings but faces pivotal matchups against Georgia State, App State, and powerhouse Coastal Carolina.

Would a top-40 RPI and a solid conference finish be enough to secure their postseason dreams?

Schultz also examines Southern Miss’s quest for a national seed amid inconsis...

App State Mountaineers surge into a critical road matchup against the Troy Trojans—can their hot streak withstand the pressure of Sun Belt Conference play?

Dave Schultz highlights App State’s impressive turnaround, fierce competitiveness against Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss, and how their pitching has become a surprising asset despite a hitter-friendly home park.

The analysis spotlights Sun Belt baseball’s wild race for top tournament seeding, including pivotal series for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, Georgia State Panthers, and Southern Miss Golden Eagles.

Key storylines include how RPI rankings impact national seed hopes, w...

Coastal Carolina stuns #2 North Carolina with a relentless offensive surge, powered by a six-run seventh inning and Blake Barthol’s two-hit frame. Is this the momentum shift Coastal Carolina needs to host an NCAA Regional?

Dave Schultz breaks down the Chanticleers’ 12-2 rout, spotlighting key moments like Jackson Smallet’s Smallets, solid pitching, and the team’s aggressive, small-ball strategy.

Discussion also covers RPI shakeups, Troy’s puzzling rise despite a heavy loss to Georgia, and how NCAA Tournament expansion could finally open the door for two Sun Belt squads.

Don’t miss insights on...

NCAA’s bombshell eligibility rule rocks college football—could senior veterans be sidelined overnight?

Dave Schultz unpacks the new five-year eligibility limit from the NCAA, explaining why this change isn’t retroactive but could still upend plans for countless athletes who banked on a longer college run.

Questions swirl about the fairness, possible lawsuits, and how this policy shift might impact players’ futures, scholarships, and even their academic pursuits like pursuing a law degree while competing.

Sun Belt Conference expansion heats up as Louisiana Tech officially joins, reigniting regional rivalries with the Louisiana Ragin’ C...

Coastal Carolina’s hopes of a sweep slip away despite Cam Flukey’s anticipated return to the mound. Can Flukey regain full form in time to boost the Chanticleers’ postseason ambitions?

Host Dave Schultz spotlights Flukey’s brief but promising comeback—two innings, four punchouts on just 24 pitches—before the bullpen falters and Texas State storms back to claim the series finale.

The episode breaks down Sun Belt baseball’s shifting landscape, with App State surging to second place after sweeping Georgia Southern, while Arkansas State and South Alabama salvage key wins to stay in the race.

Sun Belt baseball faces a pivotal weekend as teams battle for RPI boosts and critical Sun Belt Conference tournament seeding.

Can South Alabama leverage home field to upset Southern Miss and climb from 81st in RPI, or will Southern Miss continue their climb toward a potential national seed thanks to their elite pitching and defense?

Coastal Carolina welcomes ace Cam Flukey back to the mound, hoping his return sparks a postseason push, while Texas State, Troy, and Arkansas State all jockey for tournament positioning and RPI advantage.

Dave Schultz breaks down the high-stakes...

ODU Monarchs eye a repeat run after a 10-3 season and Cure Bowl victory, but can Ricky Rahne build on last year’s momentum in the ever-changing world of NIL and the transfer portal?

Quarterback battles heat up, with Quinn Henicle, Jaxon Potter, and Ryan Huff all vying for the starting job as the offense undergoes a dramatic transformation, including an entirely new offensive line and standout newcomers at skill positions.

Host Dave Schultz and Ricky Rahne break down Old Dominion’s epic win over Virginia Tech, tough loss to JMU, and how Sun Belt expa...

Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2026, setting off a wave of excitement—and questions—across college sports.

What was behind the delays, what did it cost, and how will this move impact Sun Belt rivals like Arkansas State, ULM, and Southern Miss?

Dave Schultz breaks down the legal maneuvering, implications for conference realignment, and what these shifts could mean amid a rapidly changing college football landscape.

On the court and diamond, major Sun Belt basketball transfers such as Adam Olson (South Alabama to Auburn) and Luke Wilson (App State to S...

Sun Belt baseball heats up as Southern Miss, Coastal Carolina, Texas State, and Arkansas State climb into the RPI top 40. With Southern Miss snagging the No. 11 spot and Coastal Carolina close behind at 13, the Sun Belt's postseason hopes are looking stronger than ever.

Can these teams hold their ground and secure NCAA tournament bids, or will late-season matchups shuffle the standings?

Dave Schultz breaks down key series, NCAA at-large scenarios, and the high-stakes RPI implications for Texas State, Arkansas State, and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

The episode spotlights pivotal upcoming clashes, RPI manipulation st...

Southern Miss Golden Eagles sweep Texas State, surging in the RPI rankings and reigniting their national hosting hopes. Can their newfound momentum carry them through the Sun Belt’s toughest stretch?

Dave Schultz recaps Southern Miss’s dominating series, breaking down Big Sun Belt shifts as Coastal Carolina falls to Georgia State and Old Dominion snags a pivotal sweep. The episode examines key offensive outbursts and clutch pitching performances, with deep dives into shocking late-inning collapses and comeback victories.

Troy Trojans dramatically walk off the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, exposing the Cajuns pitching woes and shaking up lea...

Troy Trojans host Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in a high-stakes Sun Belt showdown. Can Matt Deggs’ Cajuns, fresh off righting the ship against Southern Miss, keep their postseason hopes alive, or will Troy’s recent surge prove too much?

Dave Schultz breaks down key pitching matchups, including Benjamin Stubbs versus Cody Brash, and spotlights Troy’s clutch comebacks and Louisiana’s tournament qualification concerns.

Additional Sun Belt storylines heat up as Coastal Carolina looks forward to the return of ace Cam Flukey and slugger Trace Mazon next week, but faces the resurgent Georgia State Panthers this week.

Louisiana Tech faces an $8 million question: Was the massive payout to join the Sun Belt Conference worth it?

Dave Schultz breaks down LA Tech’s eye-popping exit fee from Conference USA, dissecting whether the financial gamble will pay off. Hear why North Louisiana Sports Talk Show Host Sean Fox claims they’d have paid double, and what this move signals about Conference USA’s stability.

With TV revenues and donor support in the spotlight, can LA Tech bridge the budget gap—or is a deeper hole looming?

Shifting to baseball, Schultz spotlights Southern Miss’ su...

How much is Louisiana Tech really paying to leave Conference USA—and what does it mean for the Sun Belt?

In this episode of Locked On Sun Belt, host Dave Schultz breaks down the shocking report from Front Office Sports that Louisiana Tech could be paying more than $8 million in exit fees—far exceeding earlier estimates. What changed behind the scenes, and how did Conference USA drive the price so high?

Plus, we dive into Sun Belt baseball action: Texas State secures a big win, Troy comes up short, and Coastal Carolina suffers a tough loss...

Louisiana Tech edges closer to a Conference USA exit, sparking anticipation across the Sun Belt. Will a finalized deal clear the path for the Bulldogs to join the Sun Belt Conference by July 1, 2026?

Dave Schultz unpacks breaking reports from Bleed Tech Blue and Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellinger, weighing insider sources and the sticking points—are negotiations coming down to payment timing, or is a last-minute snag looming?

Attention shifts to Sun Belt baseball as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns aim for a postseason surge. Schultz dissects Matt Deggs’ candid assessment of the Cajuns’ inconsistency and the pivotal ro...

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns snatch a season-saving series win over Southern Miss in a thrilling back-and-forth showdown. Can Andrew Herrmann’s clutch pitching and critical late-game execution propel Louisiana back into NCAA tournament contention?

Dave Schultz breaks down the dramatic 6-5 victory, highlighting missed opportunities for Southern Miss and pivotal moments that shifted the Sun Belt Conference baseball standings.

Key discussion topics include the Cajuns’ climb to RPI 41, upcoming tests against Troy, and Sun Belt tournament cutoffs that threaten teams like JMU and Old Dominion.

Updates on South Alabama’s gutsy win at Georgia Southern...

Sun Belt baseball stuns fans with four teams—Coastal Carolina, Texas State, Georgia Southern, and Georgia State—securing late-inning victories, highlighted by dramatic ninth-inning rallies.

Can Coastal Carolina’s explosive offense and clutch comebacks push them toward a national seed? Dave Schultz spotlights standout performances, including Blake Barthol’s single and Dawson Park’s game-winning home run, as well as Brady Christman’s three-run shot for Georgia Southern.

Are missed opportunities for Troy, South Alabama, and JMU signaling major postseason challenges?

Schultz examines Sun Belt contenders’ evolving NCAA tournament prospects, breaking down Coastal Carolina’s top...

Coastal Carolina Faces Major Setback as Hayden Johnson Reportedly Shuts Down for Season—Was It a Business Decision?

The Sun Belt Conference’s playoff picture shifts as Johnson’s future looms large. Will Coastal recover, and how does this impact his MLB Draft prospects?

Host Dave Schultz spotlights Hayden Johnson’s season-ending absence, exploring whether his stress fracture led to a smart career move or a tough loss for the Chanticleers. T

The analysis breaks down Johnson’s impressive stats, compares his situation to stars like Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, and questions if the tea...

Is no news actually good news for Louisiana Tech and Conference USA? A behind-the-scenes negotiation could pave the way for LA Tech’s jump to the Sun Belt Conference, with settlement talks intensifying and silence suggesting a breakthrough might be near.

Dave Schultz breaks down why mediation beats arbitration, explores the implications of a multi-million dollar exit fee, and examines how impending schedule releases could impact both conferences.

South Alabama’s athletic future also faces a pivotal shift as Dr. Joel Erdmann announces his retirement after a 17-year tenure that saw football move on campus and...

Conference USA and Louisiana Tech face a decisive arbitration hearing—will a settlement finally end their months-long dispute? The fate of LA Tech’s Sun Belt move hangs in the balance, as both sides debate millions in buyout fees. Will Conference USA’s hardline stance pay off, or will the arbitrator push for compromise in this high-stakes college sports legal battle?

Dave Schultz breaks down the timeline, key negotiation sticking points, and what arbitration could mean for Sunbelt scheduling. He explores LA Tech’s escalating financial offers, Conference USA’s delay tactics, and the critical implications for fall sport...

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns coach Matt Deggs erupts as James Madison Dukes secure the series win—what triggered this rare outburst, and can the Cajuns recover before their NCAA hopes slip away?

Frustration boils over for Louisiana after a costly defensive blunder and tough losses, while JMU’s dugout chirping adds fuel to the fire. Is this a turning point for Deggs and the Cajuns, or a sign of deeper issues?

Dave Schultz breaks down Sun Belt Conference baseball drama, spotlighting standout performances from Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss’s comeback, and Texas State’s RPI rollercoaster.

Key...

Sun Belt chaos reigns as South Alabama snaps Coastal Carolina’s 32-game conference winning streak with a 15-2 rout. Can the Jaguars sustain this momentum and reshape the baseball standings?

Meanwhile, Georgia State shocks fans by firing Jonas Hayes and announcing Jon Cremins as the new men’s basketball head coach—all within six hours. Is this the start of a new era for Panthers basketball?

Dave Schultz recaps wild Sun Belt baseball action, including Louisiana’s heart-breaking 6-5 extra-inning loss to James Madison, Southern Miss’s late rally falling short, and Texas State’s offensive su...

Coastal Carolina dominates South Alabama for their 32nd straight Sun Belt win—can anyone halt the Chanticleers’ momentum?

Luke Jones shines with six shutout innings while Ty Barrango, Jordan Taylor, and Dean Mihos anchor a balanced offensive attack.

Meanwhile, South Alabama’s Mitchell Heer struggles under pressure, raising questions about the Jaguars’ ability to handle powerful lineups in high-stakes atmospheres.

Host Dave Schultz breaks down key Sun Belt conference matchups, from Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns snapping their series-opening drought against James Madison to Southern Miss’s explosive win over Old Dominion and Marshall’s slugfest trium...

Louisiana Tech and Conference USA gear up for a pivotal arbitration showdown as legal drama unfolds over a multi-million dollar exit fee. Will LA Tech secure its move to the Sun Belt, or will Conference USA delay the inevitable?

Dave Schultz breaks down the negotiation tactics, court filings, and the financial stakes impacting college football schedules and fan loyalty.

Sun Belt baseball receives surprising respect from D1 Baseball, with Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina poised as potential hosts.

Key players like Cam Flukey, Hayden Johnson, and Trace Mazon mark their return for Texas...

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Director Bryan Maggard earns a prestigious spot on the College Football Playoff Committee, signaling a major win for Louisiana and the Sun Belt Conference.

With increased representation for Group of Five programs, will Maggard's voice open new doors for contenders like James Madison and elevate Sun Belt schools in national conversations?

The episode also raises questions about playoff transparency and the contrasting leadership styles of committee chairs Hunter Yurachek and Keith Gill.

Host Dave Schultz recaps a wild week in Sun Belt baseball, from Georgia State’s heartbreaking 14-9 lo...

Sun Belt Conference teams face pivotal midweek matchups as RPI stakes soar—can Texas State edge mighty Texas and secure a regional host spot?

Dave Schultz reveals why midweek games matter more to Sun Belt contenders than SEC heavyweights, highlighting Texas State’s rise, Coastal Carolina’s statement victory over Clemson, and the relentless pressure to avoid RPI pitfalls against teams like McNeese and Georgia Southern.

Adam Howard takes center stage as Troy’s new head basketball coach, bringing Sun Belt roots and tactical insight from stops at South Alabama and Nebraska.

Schultz spotligh...

Coastal Carolina extends their Sun Belt dominance with 31 straight victories, overcoming injuries and late-game drama against Marshall. Can the Chanticleers maintain their streak as they prepare to face a resurgent South Alabama squad in Conway?

Dave Schultz spotlights the Chanitcleers streak without pitchers Cam Flukey or Hayden Johnson, and slugger Trace Mazon breaks down the squad’s resilience amid adversity and shifting RPI rankings.

The conversation shifts to coaching storylines, with Matt Deggs’ future at Louisiana analyzed in light of fan reactions and his recent contract extension through 2029.

Plus, Troy welcomes Adam Howard as h...

Baseball America’s new NCAA tournament bracket reveals a clear lack of respect for the Sun Belt Conference—four Sun Belt teams barely make the cut, and projected hosts like Southern Miss find themselves fighting for recognition.

Are teams like Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, and Arkansas State being undervalued compared to SEC powerhouses with weaker records and higher RPIs? Dave Schultz questions the ranking logic and spotlights how Sun Belt contenders can shift the national conversation.

Key topics include the impact of RPI on Sun Belt teams’ postseason chances, must-sweep weekend matchups for programs like Troy, UL, an...

Growing frustration rocks Sun Belt country as Louisiana Tech’s standoff with Conference USA threatens to derail football plans and delay critical scheduling decisions.

Will arbitration finally end the back-and-forth, or is the cost of realignment becoming too much for La Tech and Sun Belt stakeholders to bear?

Dave Schultz explores the mounting impatience and what’s at stake for teams, fans, and schools as legal deadlines loom.

Plus, get fresh insights on the ULM Warhawks’ strategic hire of Ryan Cross, why splashy celebrity coaches aren’t always the answer, and a comprehensive Sun Belt...

ULM reportedly hires UAB assistant Ryan Cross as their new basketball coach—will this smart, local move finally revive a program that hasn’t seen a 20-win season in nearly a decade?

Dave Schultz weighs the pros and cons, contrasting Cross's steady experience with the headline-grabbing appeal of candidates like Donnie Tyndall and Jason Williams. Is Cross the right fit to rebuild the Warhawks, or did ULM miss a chance for a bold shakeup?

Sun Belt baseball struggles through a rough night, with top teams like South Alabama, Troy, and Southern Miss facing setbacks and only...

Georgia Tech aims to revive its basketball legacy by hiring Troy’s Scott Cross, a proven culture builder and strategic winner. Can Cross translate his Sun Belt success to the ACC and break Tech’s twenty-year drought?

With connections to Deputy AD Brent Jones and a track record of turning UT Arlington and Troy into contenders, Cross brings aggressive defense, high-tempo offense, and a focus on recruiting “OKGs” — tough, high-character athletes.

Hosts Jarvis Davis and Dave Schultz examine Cross’s coaching philosophy, his respect among peers, and whether Georgia Tech’s middle-tier NIL resources ($5.5 million) are enough to...

Sun Belt Conference teams face the RPI rollercoaster—can strong schedules outweigh costly upsets?

Troy’s showdown with Southern Miss sends the Trojans soaring 46 spots in the RPI, while South Alabama’s loss to ULM triggers a 21-place plummet.

Are high-stakes weekends and risky matchups shaping the NCAA tournament landscape for Southern Miss, Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and the Ragin’ Cajuns?

Dave Schultz breaks down critical baseball series, including Texas State’s sweep of Louisiana and Coastal Carolina’s dominant run against James Madison.

From clutch bullpen performances by Camden Sustrum to explosive...

Troy Trojans launch a high-profile basketball coaching search after Scott Cross’s consistent success and dramatic exit to Georgia Tech.

Can the program retain its winning edge and keep star players from hitting the transfer portal?

Dave Schultz and Thomas Gleaton (The Trojan Wall) analyze Cross’s legacy of “taking the stairs” back to Sun Belt glory, the pivotal role of players like Tayton Conerway, and the importance of program culture and retention.

The discussion spotlights top candidates, including Ben Fletcher and other potential hires with Troy and regional ties, possible portal shakeups, and how...

Troy Trojans lose head coach Scott Cross to Georgia Tech, sparking questions about ACC competitiveness and NIL resources. Will Cross elevate the Yellow Jackets' basketball program or face the same middling fate amid budget constraints?

Dave Schultz investigates Georgia Tech’s commitment to basketball, Cross’s $2 million salary, and the stakes of aiming for only the ACC’s middle third in NIL rankings.

The search begins for Troy’s next head coach, with Ben Fletcher and Flynn Clayman emerging as top candidates.

Schultz discusses Troy’s back-to-back Sun Belt Championships, potential coaching strategies, and the ri...

Troy Trojans’ NCAA tournament run ends with a tough loss to Nebraska as Scott Cross’s future draws the spotlight.

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s promising start, Nebraska’s defensive mastery, and Pryce Sandfort’s three-point barrage that turned the tide.

Turnovers, cold shooting, and missed rebounding opportunities left Troy searching for answers, while Nebraska showcased why they’re a force on both ends of the court.

The episode also tackles swirling rumors about Scott Cross heading to Georgia Tech, exploring key connections, salary implications, and the ACC coaching landscape.

Plus, catch...

The Nebraska Cornhuskers end the Troy Trojans’ NCAA tournament run with suffocating defense and Pryce Sandfort’s scoring spree. 

Can Fred Hoiberg’s squad ride this momentum for a deeper March Madness push?

Dave Schultz breaks down how Nebraska turned a hot Troy start into a commanding win, spotlighting Sandfort’s sharp shooting, the Huskers’ 17-6 turnover edge, and a surprising rebounding advantage. 

Key takeaways include Troy’s offensive cold spells, Victor Valdes’ struggles under pressure, and the magnitude of Nebraska’s historic first tournament win. 

The future of Troy coach Scott Cross is in f...