Yes, Boise State is indeed set to depart from the Mountain West Conference.
The Future of Boise State Athletics
Boise State, a prominent member of the Mountain West Conference, is slated for a significant shift in its athletic alignment. The university, alongside several other institutions, will be transitioning to the Pac-12 Conference. This notable move is scheduled to take effect in 2026.
Teams Transitioning to the Pac-12 in 2026
Boise State is not the sole team making this transition. Several other well-known collegiate athletic programs currently in the Mountain West will also be joining the Pac-12 in the same year. This collective move highlights a broader trend of realignment within college sports.
| Team | Current Conference | Future Conference | Transition Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State | Mountain West | Pac-12 | 2026 |
| Colorado State | Mountain West | Pac-12 | 2026 |
| Fresno State | Mountain West | Pac-12 | 2026 |
| San Diego State | Mountain West | Pac-12 | 2026 |
| Utah State | Mountain West | Pac-12 | 2026 |
Impact on Mountain West Conference Scheduling
In anticipation of these and other shifts, the Mountain West Conference is actively adjusting its future football scheduling.
Beginning in 2025, the conference plans to move back to an eight-game conference slate. This upcoming change follows a seven-game schedule that was implemented for the current year. The temporary reduction to seven games was due to a specific scheduling agreement with Oregon State and Washington State, showcasing the dynamic and often complex nature of collegiate conference affiliations and scheduling partnerships.
Key adjustments for the Mountain West include:
- 2025 Football Season: The Mountain West will return to an eight-game conference schedule.
- Current Football Season: The conference is playing a seven-game schedule.
- Reason for Current Format: A temporary scheduling agreement with Oregon State and Washington State influenced the reduced schedule for the current year.
