It looks like Delaware will achieve it's goal of joining the FBS. Per a report by Pete Thamel, the Conference USA is set to extend an invite to Delaware to join their conference in the 2025-2026 season. According to Thamel, both sides have been talking and the announcement is set to come in a matter of days.
Delaware's athletic director was not available for comment but head coach Ryan Carty said in a quote obtained by Delaware Online, “We'll have some news here in the coming days and I'm sure that would be exciting news coming forward for you. But I don't really have anything to say right now about it.”
Delaware has looked to join the FBS for a while and chatter of them looking to move up persisted throughout the season. Their Board of Trustees approved a closer examination of a move to the FBS in September, per reporting by Delaware Online. The institution has also been actively fundraising for a stadium renovation project. The plan involves enclosing the north end of Delaware Stadium and connecting it to a large indoor practice facility. This facility will include locker rooms and offices for multiple teams.
Delaware is set to be the latest FCS Powerhouse to leave for the FBS in the CAA. James Madison, who joined the CAA in 2007, joined the FBS as a member of the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. They've since found success, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record and securing a bowl game bid. Delaware sees the success of their former peer institutions and others who are making the jump and believes that they can find similar success.
With the move, Delaware is the first FCS program to pay the $5 million fee to move up to the FBS. Delaware boasts a $41.5 million athletics budget per Delaware Online which means they have the capital to make a move of this magnitude. If the move is finalized, they will finish their tenure in the CAA next year but will be ineligible to make the NCAA FCS Playoffs. They're currently competing in the FCS Playoffs and beat Lafayette 36-34 to advance to the second round and play second-ranked FCS championship contender Montana.