College Football - Southland Conference
History - Important facts - Teams - Winners
The Southland Conference was created in 1963 with the following group members: Arkansas State College (departed 1987), Abilene Christian College (now departed), Arlington State College (now The University of Texas at Arlington), Lamar State College of Technology (now Lamar University), and Trinity University (Texas) (departed 1971).
In 1973 the College division changed its name to NCAA Division II. From 1975 to 1981 Southland was an NCAA Division League before joining the list of I-AA in 1982.
The Southland Conference is among the best leagues in the country achieving yearly entry to the National Championship and playoffs. Over the time, Southland has had three teams in the national 16-team playoffs besides the qualification to the I-AA playoffs of six of the seven present members.
Additionally, there are several Southland players who are now former NFL stars among which are: Stan Humphries, Fred Barnett, Roger Carr, Fred Dean, Bill Bergey, Marvin Upshaw, Larry Centers, Tim McKyer, Pat Tilley, Jackie Harris, Eugene Seale, Buford Jordan, Marcus Spears, Kavika Pittman, Mike Barber, Bruce Collie, Bubby Brister, Billy Ryckman, Rafael Septien, Terrance Shaw and Ray Brown.
The Southland Conference and the universities within constantly provide opportunities for the student-athletes throughout various community programs involving academics, citizenship and leadership to school-aged students.
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