Hawaii to Join Mountain West in 2026, Targets NIU and Toledo for Football

The latest buzz in the world of college football involves Hawaii potentially joining the Mountain West conference as a full member in 2026. While this news is not yet confirmed, sources have informed Action Network HQ about this exciting development. According to a tweet by Brett McMurphy, the Mountain West is aiming to have at least 8 full members to maintain its FBS league status. To achieve this goal, they are reportedly eyeing Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Toledo as potential football-only members. Additionally, the Mountain West is still on the lookout for at least one more football member to bolster its lineup.

If this alleged move comes to fruition, it could have significant implications for both Hawaii and the Mountain West conference. Hawaii, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, would bring a unique flavor to the Mountain West. The Rainbow Warriors, as they are affectionately known, have a rich football tradition and a loyal fan base that would undoubtedly add to the conference’s overall appeal.

On the flip side, the Mountain West stands to benefit from Hawaii’s inclusion by expanding its footprint to the beautiful islands of the Pacific. This move could potentially open up new recruiting opportunities for the conference and attract more attention from fans and media alike. With Hawaii’s addition, the Mountain West could solidify its position as a competitive and diverse conference in the world of college football.

As for NIU and Toledo, being targeted as football-only members by the Mountain West could present them with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger stage. Both schools have a strong football tradition and a history of success, making them valuable additions to any conference. If they were to join the Mountain West, they would have the chance to compete against top-tier competition and raise their national profile in the process.

While these developments are still in the rumor stage, it’s clear that the landscape of college football is constantly evolving. Conferences are always looking for ways to improve their competitiveness and visibility, and adding new members is one way to achieve that goal. If Hawaii does indeed become a full member of the Mountain West in 2026, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the school and the conference as a whole.

In conclusion, the potential addition of Hawaii to the Mountain West conference is an intriguing development that has the college football world buzzing. While nothing is set in stone yet, the rumors surrounding this move are generating excitement and speculation among fans and analysts. If this alleged move does come to pass, it could have far-reaching implications for both Hawaii and the Mountain West, shaping the future of college football in unexpected ways. Only time will tell if these rumors turn out to be true, but one thing is for sure – the world of college football is never short on surprises.

Hawaii will join Mountain West as full member in 2026, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. With 8 full members required to be FBS league, MW now targets NIU & Toledo as football-only members, sources said. MW still wants to add at least 1 football member https://t.co/3K0feGES3n

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 15, 2024

What is the significance of Hawaii joining the Mountain West as a full member in 2026?

It’s official – Hawaii will be joining the Mountain West Conference as a full member in 2026. This move is significant for both Hawaii and the Mountain West Conference as it opens up new opportunities for competition and growth. With Hawaii joining as a full member, the Mountain West Conference will now have a total of 8 full members, which is the required number to be considered an FBS league.

This move will not only benefit Hawaii by giving them a more stable conference home, but it will also benefit the Mountain West Conference by adding another competitive team to their lineup. Hawaii has a strong football program and has a dedicated fan base, which will add value to the conference as a whole.

Overall, this move is a win-win for both Hawaii and the Mountain West Conference, and it will be exciting to see how this new partnership unfolds in the years to come.

How will the Mountain West target NIU & Toledo as football-only members?

According to sources, the Mountain West Conference is now targeting Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Toledo as football-only members. This means that these two schools would join the conference specifically for football, rather than as full members participating in all sports.

Targeting NIU and Toledo as football-only members makes sense for the Mountain West Conference as it allows them to strengthen their football lineup without having to add more full members. Both NIU and Toledo have competitive football programs and would add depth to the conference’s football division.

By adding NIU and Toledo as football-only members, the Mountain West Conference can focus on enhancing their football offerings while maintaining a balanced conference structure.

Why does the Mountain West still want to add at least 1 football member?

Even with Hawaii joining as a full member and the potential addition of NIU and Toledo as football-only members, the Mountain West Conference is still looking to add at least one more football member. This shows that the conference is committed to strengthening its football division and remaining competitive in the FBS landscape.

Adding another football member would further solidify the Mountain West Conference’s position as a strong football conference and would provide additional opportunities for competition and growth. It would also help the conference attract more attention and recognition on a national level.

Overall, the Mountain West Conference’s decision to continue pursuing additional football members demonstrates their dedication to building a robust and competitive conference for years to come.

In a report by Action Network HQ, it was revealed that Hawaii will be joining the Mountain West Conference as a full member in 2026. This move is significant for both Hawaii and the Mountain West Conference as it opens up new opportunities for competition and growth. With Hawaii joining as a full member, the Mountain West Conference will now have a total of 8 full members, which is the required number to be considered an FBS league.

According to sources, the Mountain West Conference is now targeting Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Toledo as football-only members. This means that these two schools would join the conference specifically for football, rather than as full members participating in all sports. Targeting NIU and Toledo as football-only members makes sense for the Mountain West Conference as it allows them to strengthen their football lineup without having to add more full members. Both NIU and Toledo have competitive football programs and would add depth to the conference’s football division.

Even with Hawaii joining as a full member and the potential addition of NIU and Toledo as football-only members, the Mountain West Conference is still looking to add at least one more football member. This shows that the conference is committed to strengthening its football division and remaining competitive in the FBS landscape. Adding another football member would further solidify the Mountain West Conference’s position as a strong football conference and would provide additional opportunities for competition and growth. It would also help the conference attract more attention and recognition on a national level.