But one of its top football programs is now reportedly considering a move away from the Midwest-based league. According to numerous reports on Tuesday, Northern Illinois is weighing an offer to leave the MAC and join the Mountain West as a football-only member.

As Barry Odom spoke during his press conference after Friday’s Mountain West championship game, there were a couple moments when he paused to collect his thoughts

UC Davis will become a member of the new-look Mountain West starting in 2026, the school and conference announced Tuesday. The Aggies will leave the Big West and join the Mountain West in all sports except football,

It’s the latest addition for the MW following the upcoming defections of five schools for the rebuilding Pac-12 in summer 2026

UC Davis will join the Mountain West in several sports, including basketball, in 2026. The Aggies, however, will continue to play football at the FBS level.

UC Davis said Tuesday the university has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference for 16 of 25 sports in its athletics program beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.