VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University announced today a new chapter in the history of Blazer Athletics, as the university has accepted an invitation to join the Peach Belt Conference beginning July 1, 2027.

Valdosta State will remain a member of the Gulf South Conference through the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year before transitioning to the Peach Belt Conference for the 2027-28 academic year.

The Peach Belt Conference is an NCAA Division II conference that does not sponsor football. As a result, the move will not directly impact the status of the Valdosta State football program, which will continue to compete outside of the PBC as an NCAA DII independent.

The decision follows an extensive, yearlong assessment by Valdosta State Athletics and university leadership that evaluated the long-term future of Blazer Athletics and considered a range of options, including continued membership in the Gulf South Conference, a potential transition to NCAA Division I and membership in the Peach Belt Conference.

The comprehensive review considered several factors, including student-athlete well-being, conference footprint and travel, institutional alignment, academic profile, financial health and long-term sustainability, competitive opportunities, and the overall student-athlete experience.

"We are pleased to become a member of the Peach Belt Conference," said Valdosta State University President Dr. Donald J. Green. "Our move to the PBC creates exciting, accessible in-state rivalries that make it easier than ever for our passionate fans while enhancing academic support for our student-athletes." Valdosta State has been a proud member of the Gulf South Conference since 1981, building a tradition of success that includes 12 All-Sport Trophies, 60 conference championships and nine national championships.

"Joining the Peach Belt Conference is an exciting opportunity to enhance the experience of our student-athletes," added Troy Katen, VSU director of athletics. "Membership in the PBC will reduce travel and give our student-athletes more time in the classroom. It will also give our families, fans and alumni more chances to cheer on the Blazers. In addition, it will strengthen our recruiting within our regional footprint. The Peach Belt has a long tradition of success, and we look forward to helping raise its profile even further on the national stage."

Valdosta State will compete in 11 Peach Belt Conference sports, while football will remain outside the conference structure. The PBC's sports offerings align closely with Valdosta State's existing intercollegiate athletics programs and will provide Blazer teams with opportunities to compete against several institutions with which VSU already has established athletic relationships.

"Valdosta State University is an exceptional fit for the Peach Belt Conference, and we could not be more excited about the opportunity to welcome the Blazers into our conference family," said Peach Belt Conference Commissioner Diana Kling. "Given Valdosta State's proximity to our existing footprint and its history of competition with many of our member institutions, there is already a strong level of familiarity, and we look forward to the exciting new rivalries that will develop. Valdosta State has a proven record of success, and their addition will bring significant value to the conference—both immediately and for years to come."

Current Peach Belt Conference members include Augusta University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Flagler College, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Lander University, Middle Georgia State University, the University of North Georgia, the University of South Carolina Aiken and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Flagler College has announced that it will join the Sunshine State Conference beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.

Valdosta State regularly competes against several Peach Belt institutions in non-conference competition, creating established regional relationships that will continue to grow through conference membership.

"We are grateful to the Gulf South Conference for the many years we have been a valued member," concluded Katen. "We also want to thank Commissioner Diana Kling and the Peach Belt Conference for the invitation. We are excited about the future of Blazer Athletics."

Additional information regarding Valdosta State's transition to the Peach Belt Conference, including competition schedules and other details, will be announced as they become available.

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