Report: UTEP in 'deep discussions' with Mountain West to join conference

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Mountain West is in “deep discussions” with UTEP to join the conference. No agreement has been made quite yet but the Miners are expected to provide their decision in the near future.

“Sources: The Mountain West is in deep discussions with UTEP, and there’s mutual interest between both sides,” Thamel said via X. “A deal has yet to be finalized, but an answer on UTEP joining the league is expected soon.”

UTEP has a long history of football, dating back to 1935. Multiple conference affiliations are in the program’s history and they are currently members of Conference USA. The partnership is currently in its 20th season after previously being in the WAC.

On the field, there has not been much success. This season is off to an 0-4 start, trending toward the third consecutive losing season. Just twice has UTEP finished above .500 since 2000 with their lone double-digit win campaign coming in 1988 under head coach Bob Stull.

As things currently stand, the MWC has lost five members in the latest round of conference realignments. All of them are heading to the Pac-12, dropping the Group of Five conference to under the requirement of eight members.

Seven are currently in the Mountain West’s future plans, needing just one more. While there is some time to get the job done, not needing to reach the number until 2028, the goal is to get something agreed upon sooner rather than later.

UTEP could wind up being the final piece of the puzzle.

Mountain West looking at multiple schools for expansion

Multiple targets are starting to emerge for the Mountain West after losing five teams to the Pac-12, according to reports. Texas State, Northern Illinois and Toledo are all being explored as MWC members as more conference realignment dominoes start to fall.

Texas State is in consideration as a full member of the Mountain West, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. Northern Illinois and Toledo, however, would be football-only members. MWC commissioner Gloria Nevarez informed MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher of the league’s interest in both schools, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report