Conference realignment is far from over just because the Big Ten announced that it was satisfied stopping at 12 members. In fact, the so-called low major Division I conferences may be the next group to undergo reshuffling, as the moratorium on moving up to Division I is drawing to an end and a number of Division II programs are examining the possibility of moving up, including the University of North Alabama. 
UNA is currently in the midst of a study examining the feasibility of such a move. As part of that examination, preliminary discussions have been held, and information exchanged, with the Ohio Valley Conference about a possible affiliation should UNA make the jump. It's an affiliation that would make sense for both parties - it's geographically logical for UNA, with compatible programs and nearby Jacksonville State already a member. In addition, the OVC is a traditionally powerful FCS football conference which would be a good home for UNA football. On the OVC side, with the recent addition of Southern Illinois - Edwardsville (bet you didn't know it was a D-I school), the conference sits at 11 members, so adding UNA or another member would seem to make sense, for scheduling purposes if no other reason. FCS conferences generally don't have championship games because of the national championship playoff schedule.
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UNA is currently in the midst of a study examining the feasibility of such a move. As part of that examination, preliminary discussions have been held, and information exchanged, with the Ohio Valley Conference about a possible affiliation should UNA make the jump. It's an affiliation that would make sense for both parties - it's geographically logical for UNA, with compatible programs and nearby Jacksonville State already a member. In addition, the OVC is a traditionally powerful FCS football conference which would be a good home for UNA football. On the OVC side, with the recent addition of Southern Illinois - Edwardsville (bet you didn't know it was a D-I school), the conference sits at 11 members, so adding UNA or another member would seem to make sense, for scheduling purposes if no other reason. FCS conferences generally don't have championship games because of the national championship playoff schedule.
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