The Sun Belt Conference consists of 9 football members: Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Troy, and Western Kentucky who becomes a full-time member in 2009 after 2 seasons as an independent and conditional member who played a limited Sun Belt schedule after transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision.

Troy won the Sun Belt Championship and played in the GMAC Bowl where they lost in two overtimes to Central Michigan.

Troy (8–5) were the Sun Belt champions and lost to Southern Mississippi in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl 30–27.

The 2009 Sun Belt coaches preseason poll was announced during a two-day media web-based event on July 20 and 21.

2009 Sun Belt Player of the Year awards[12] Coaches All-Conference Selections[12]