![\"Football](\"https:\/\/media.bleacherreport.com\/image\/upload\/w_40,h_27,c_fill\/v1733888618\/prgs5zimzlhengkkthkc.jpg\" "\\"Football\\"")
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<\/span>Geoff Stellfox\/Getty Images<\/span><\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Northern Illinois has an offer on the table from the Mountain West to leave the Mid-American Conference for its league as a football-only school beginning with the 2026 season, per Brett McMurphy<\/a> of Action Network, who cited industry sources.<\/p>\n That decision on whether to stay or go is “imminent.” If NIU does leave, then it’s unclear which league the non-football teams will play in moving forward, sources noted to McMurphy.<\/p>\n On September 26, McMurphy<\/a> reported on the Mountain West’s interest in adding Northern Illinois and Toledo as football-only members before 2026.<\/p>\n NIU released a statement on the matter one day later, per the Associated Press<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Conference realignment is a highly dynamic situation, and NIU appreciates the interest in our strong brand and proven commitment to the success of our student athletes. At this time, we have not received a formal offer to consider a change.”<\/p>\n The Pac-12 is adding five current Mountain West schools beginning with the 2026-27 collegiate sports season: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State.<\/p>\n Six schools who currently play all their sports in-conference now will remain: UNLV, Air Force, San Jose State, Wyoming, Nevada and New Mexico.<\/p>\n Hawai’i has been a football-only member since 2012 but will join full-time in 2026. UTEP is also joining as a full-time member in 2026. UC Davis is joining in 2026 in every sport but football. Grand Canyon is joining<\/a> in 2026 in 17 sports (the school does not have a football team).<\/p>\n Understandably, the Mountain West would still like to add to the league, especially with only eight football schools on tap beginning in 2026. Perhaps NIU is next up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n