Report: NIU Has Supply to Be part of MWC as CFB-Solely Faculty in 2026 amid Realignment Rumors

Northern Illinois has a proposal on the desk from the Mountain West to depart the Mid-American Convention for its league as a football-only faculty starting with the 2026 season, per Brett McMurphy of Motion Community, who cited trade sources.

That call on whether or not to remain or go is “imminent.” If NIU does depart, then it is unclear which league the non-football groups will play in shifting ahead, sources famous to McMurphy.

On September 26, McMurphy reported on the Mountain West’s curiosity in including Northern Illinois and Toledo as football-only members earlier than 2026.

NIU launched an announcement on the matter in the future later, per the Associated Press.

“Convention realignment is a extremely dynamic scenario, and NIU appreciates the curiosity in our sturdy model and confirmed dedication to the success of our pupil athletes. Presently, we have now not obtained a proper supply to contemplate a change.”

The Pac-12 is including 5 present Mountain West colleges starting with the 2026-27 collegiate sports activities season: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State.

Six colleges who at present play all their sports activities in-conference now will stay: UNLV, Air Drive, San Jose State, Wyoming, Nevada and New Mexico.

Hawai’i has been a football-only member since 2012 however will be part of full-time in 2026. UTEP can be becoming a member of as a full-time member in 2026. UC Davis is becoming a member of in 2026 in each sport however soccer. Grand Canyon is joining in 2026 in 17 sports activities (the college doesn’t have a soccer group).

Understandably, the Mountain West would nonetheless like so as to add to the league, particularly with solely eight soccer colleges on faucet starting in 2026. Maybe NIU is subsequent up.