In 1982, Saint Louis left to join the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, now known as the Horizon League; while the University of Southern Mississippi took its spot in that same year.

In 1985, West Virginia University was in talks to replace Tulane, which had suspended its men’s basketball program due to a points shaving scandal.

However, the Virginia schools filed a lawsuit in order to prevent the merger from happening, which ultimately failed.

It was joined by Great Midwest member Dayton, which was intrigued by the prospect of playing against regional rival Xavier.

South Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia joined the Sun Belt Conference in men's soccer.

The original study plan also included Penn State, which was invited to join the Big Ten on December 15, 1989.