Allegedly, Texas State and Northern Illinois Are Potential Targets for Mountain West Expansion

So, here’s the scoop – according to a tweet by sports journalist Pete Thamel, Texas State University has supposedly emerged as a potential target for expansion by the Mountain West Conference. This rumored move would see Texas State being added as an all-sports member, which is quite the big deal if it turns out to be true. But wait, there’s more – another school that could soon be in the spotlight for the Mountain West is Northern Illinois University, but as a football-only member. Now, before we get too excited, let’s remember that these are just rumors at this point, and there’s no concrete evidence to support these claims.

The prospect of Texas State joining the Mountain West as an all-sports member is definitely intriguing. The university, located in San Marcos, Texas, currently competes in the Sun Belt Conference. If this alleged move were to happen, it would mark a significant shift for Texas State and could potentially elevate the school’s athletic programs to a whole new level. The Mountain West Conference, which already boasts strong athletic programs, would undoubtedly benefit from adding a school like Texas State to its ranks.

On the other hand, the possibility of Northern Illinois joining the Mountain West as a football-only member raises some interesting questions. Northern Illinois, located in DeKalb, Illinois, is currently a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). If this rumored move were to materialize, it would mean that Northern Illinois would focus exclusively on football within the Mountain West Conference while continuing to compete in other sports within the MAC. This type of arrangement is not uncommon in college athletics, but it would certainly be a noteworthy development for both schools and the conferences involved.

While these rumors are certainly exciting to think about, it’s important to remember that nothing has been confirmed at this point. As with any speculation in the world of sports, it’s essential to take these rumors with a grain of salt until official announcements are made. That being said, the potential additions of Texas State and Northern Illinois to the Mountain West Conference are intriguing to consider, and fans of college sports will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on any developments in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the alleged interest in Texas State and Northern Illinois by the Mountain West Conference is a story worth following for college sports enthusiasts. While there’s no concrete evidence to support these claims just yet, the mere possibility of these schools joining the Mountain West is enough to spark excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike. Only time will tell if these rumors turn out to be true, but in the meantime, we can enjoy the buzz and anticipation surrounding this potential expansion. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.

Sources: Texas State has emerged as a target for Mountain West expansion, which would be an all sports addition. One other target that could soon come into focus for the Mountain West is Northern Illinois, which would be as a football only member.

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— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 27, 2024

When considering the potential expansion of the Mountain West conference, two schools have emerged as potential targets: Texas State and Northern Illinois. Let’s delve into the details of this development and explore what it could mean for the landscape of collegiate athletics.

Why is Texas State a Target for Mountain West Expansion?

Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, has caught the attention of the Mountain West conference as a potential addition for all sports. The Bobcats, who currently compete in the Sun Belt Conference, have shown promise in various sports programs, making them an appealing choice for expansion.

The university’s strategic location in the state of Texas, a hotbed for collegiate athletics, could provide the Mountain West with a stronger presence in the region. Furthermore, Texas State’s growing reputation and commitment to athletic excellence make them a desirable candidate for conference expansion.

Sources have indicated that discussions between Texas State and the Mountain West are progressing, raising the possibility of a significant shift in the conference alignment.

What Makes Northern Illinois an Attractive Option for the Mountain West?

Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, Illinois, has also surfaced as a potential target for the Mountain West conference. However, unlike Texas State, Northern Illinois is being considered for football only membership.

The Huskies have a strong football program with a history of success, particularly in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). By joining the Mountain West as a football-only member, Northern Illinois could enhance the competitiveness of the conference and elevate its football reputation.

The potential addition of Northern Illinois would bring a new level of excitement and competition to the Mountain West, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and increased visibility for both the conference and the university.

What Implications Could Mountain West Expansion Have on College Athletics?

If Texas State and Northern Illinois were to join the Mountain West conference, it would mark a significant shift in the landscape of college athletics. The addition of these two schools could strengthen the conference’s overall competitiveness and appeal to fans and recruits alike.

For Texas State, a move to the Mountain West would open up new opportunities for exposure and competition against higher-profile programs. The university could benefit from increased visibility and revenue streams associated with membership in a Power Five conference.

Similarly, Northern Illinois would have the chance to showcase its football prowess on a larger stage within the Mountain West. The Huskies could attract top-tier talent and elevate their program to new heights, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate football.

In conclusion, the potential expansion of the Mountain West conference with the addition of Texas State and Northern Illinois represents an exciting development in college athletics. As discussions progress and decisions are made, both schools and the conference stand to gain from this strategic realignment.

Sources:
– Pete Thamel Twitter