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.

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.

Mountain West Conference adds UC Davis as member school in al sports except football; the Aggies will join the MW in July 2026.

Northern Illinois is weighing an offer to leave the MAC and join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, a source told Sports Illustrated 's Bryan Fischer. The news of the offer for Northern Illinois was first reported by Action Network.

The Mountain West Conference football opponents have been set for the 2025 season, the conference announced Tuesday.

Wisconsin’s efforts to bolster its wide receiver position continued on Tuesday. It extended an offer to Colorado State transfer Caleb Goodie — the second such offer in the class, joining Miami (OH) transfer Javon Tracy.

Mountain West adds UC Davis as its 10th school to the conference for basketball and all sports except for football.

Northern Illinois University’s football teams could be facing a steady dose of West Coast competition in upcoming seasons. According to multiple reports including CBSSports.com and Action Network, NIU officials are considering an offer to join the Mountain West Conference in the sport of football only.

One of the main reasons behind the offer is the significant increase in revenue distribution NIU would receive in the Mountain West compared to th