In case you missed it while you were celebrating another birthday for America, part one of a four-part series that examines the effects of the transfer portal on Non-FBS football was published on Wednesday. Part two will be published next week.

FCS

• Earlier this week, rumors began circulating that the Texas A&M Board of Regents will vote on a proposal to rename Texas A&M-Commerce to Texas A&M University-Dallas at Commerce. The reaction of the fans and alums was immediately negative. The Lion Wire released a statement against the change on its Facebook page, and a petition on change.org to stop the renaming of the university gathered over 6,000 signatures in less than 48 hours. 
• Multiple sources confirmed the rumors of a potential name change are accurate. One source estimated the chances of the name change to be 90 percent. The reasoning behind the decision is to connect the university to the Metroplex, which some alums pointed out that the university is 40 minutes away from Rockwall (with no traffic) and 65 miles away from Dallas. The Texas A&M Board of Regents believes the name change will increase enrollment, which is rapidly declining. TAMU-Commerce has a campus at NorthPark Central in Dallas. We’ll follow up on this story as more information becomes available.
• Many alums are furious with the entire Texas A&M system, and some donors have indicated they will no longer support the university if the change is made. The relationship between TAMUS and the Lions faithful has been tenuous at best after their beloved East Texas State changed its name to Texas A&M-Commerce in 1995. Many expressed that this move is another slap in the face to the alums, some of whom have expressed a desire to accept East Texas A&M as a compromise.
• In better news for the Lions, their season-opening contest at San Diego State will be nationally televised on truTV and can be streamed on Max. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. locally. 

NCAA Division II

• The search for UTPB’s athletic director will enter its next stage when the search committee meets this week. Multiple sources continue to indicate they hope the selection will be announced in late August or early September.
• Information surrounding the search for an athletic director at West Texas A&M has become scarce in recent weeks. Multiple sources indicated interviews continue to be conducted, and a decision could happen during the Texas High School Coaching Association coaching school the week of July 21.

NCAA Division III

• McMurry upgraded its locker room during the offseason, and Big Country Homepage spoke with head coach Jordan Neal about the new home for the War Hawks.
• East Texas Baptist is searching for an offensive coach with a preference for a coach who could coach a skill position. The position could be for a graduate assistant or a paid position. Interested candidates should send their resume and faith statement to rsmith@etbu.edu.
• Big Country Homepage also visited Hardin-Simmons and spoke with Cowboys head coach Jesse Burleson about the weight room, which was renovated during the offseason.

NAIA

• Paragon Sports Constructors announced the completion of the first phase of Karen Cramer Stadium, an on-campus facility at Texas Wesleyan. PSC installed Shaw Sports Turf Legion NXT on top of an Elayer pad with sand and rubber used as the infill. 
• SAGU announced the addition of Jaylon Jackson, who will serve as wide receivers coach. Jackson recently served as the wide receivers coach at East Texas Baptist.

NJCAA

• Navarro announced the addition of two coaches and the promotion of one coach, including wide receivers coach Patrick Hall and outside linebackers coach Daniel Sheehan. The Bulldogs also promoted Abraham Bakare to offensive analyst.