Updated

Western Kentucky is moving to Conference USA.

C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky said Monday that the Hilltoppers are set to officially join the league July 1, 2014.

Western Kentucky will be the fifth Sun Belt Conference school in a year to move to C-USA. Middle Tennessee, Florida Atlantic, Florida International and North Texas are leaving the Sun Belt this summer for Conference USA.

Conference USA is expanding to 14 football teams in time for the 2013 season, even as four of its current teams are leaving for the Big East this summer.

Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson says Western Kentucky's decision isn't a surprise to him based on his discussions with school officials and recent speculation.