Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) have formally requested that the Big East Conference consider adding the University of Dayton and Saint Louis University as new members. In a letter addressed to Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, the senators emphasized the alignment between these universities’ values and those of the conference.
Husted, who earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Dayton and played on its 1989 Division III National Championship football team, highlighted his connection to the institution.
The senators wrote, “As former collegiate student-athletes, we have been deeply involved in the conversations regarding the challenges facing intercollegiate athletics, as well as the possibility of Congressional action on the issue. Amidst these conversations, it is increasingly clear that schools with shared values, academic priorities and comparable resource models are best served by governing collectively and competing within the same conference.”
They continued, “As alumni and fans of these two universities, we write to respectfully encourage the Big East Conference to consider Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of Dayton (UD) for membership, given their strong alignment with the Big East’s institutional mission, competitive athletic profiles and long-term strategic interests in the evolving collegiate athletics landscape.”
In their letter, Husted and Schmitt stated: “Both Saint Louis University and the University of Dayton share the core institutional values that have long defined the Big East: they are mission-driven universities with deep commitments to academic excellence, community engagement and the holistic development of student-athletes. These Jesuit and Marianist universities would also add to the rich Catholic legacy that the Big East and its members have cultivated.”
They also noted potential benefits for media exposure: “Equally important, both institutions enhance the Big East’s media and market footprint. Saint Louis represents one of the nation’s largest and most influential sports markets (24th DMA), with no NBA team, offering meaningful opportunities for media exposure, corporate partnerships and alumni engagement. Dayton has shown an exceptional ability to punch above its weight in attendance, ranking 15th in average attendance in 2024-2025 while selling out the entire season for the fourth consecutive year, and postseason competitiveness, an attribute that has long been a hallmark of successful Big East programs.”
The senators concluded by emphasizing stability: “In an era defined by realignment pressures and shifting national dynamics, the Big East’s strength has been its cohesive identity, competitive balance and institutional alignment. Saint Louis University and the University of Dayton would reinforce that model. Both schools bring stability, tradition and a demonstrated commitment to excellence that would strengthen the conference’s position as the premier basketball-focused league in collegiate athletics.”
A copy of their full letter was made available.
