AAC Reportedly Looking to Add Iconic Mountain West Program

The Mountain West Conference recently suffered losses in membership when Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State revealed their departures for the Pac-12 in 2026 in the latest realignment wave.

That topic has kept spots media engaged, debating over the logistics of each move as conferences figure out how to maintain its strength while reaching out to programs looking to make the next big jump.

However, the MWC might be taking another hit, and it involves one of their iconic programs.

The Air Force Falcons have long been recognized as a strong service academy over the years. They have been in the MWC since 1999 and have been successful under head coach Troy Calhoun since he took over the reins in 2007 with a 129-82 record.

Calhoun has led the Falcons to multiple bowl appearances and famous victories, including several Commander-in-Chief's Trophy wins. Their triple-option offense, combined with disciplined defense, made them a tough competitor in the MWC over the years.

However, it appears that after decades of being a member, Air Force might find themselves entering the American Athletic Conference.

According to CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd, the Falcons have emerged as a target for the AAC amid the latest wave of conference realignment. Dodd also stated that the league is even interested in UNLV, also a member of the MWC.

If Air Force were to join the AAC, it would not only signify a loss for the MWC but also bring all three service academies in Air Force, Navy, and Army together in the same conference for the first time.

This could enhance the service academy rivalries and create a unique dynamic within the AAC. Navy joined the AAC in 2015, and Army recently made the jump this season. The addition of Air Force could strengthen the AAC's football brand by adding a team with a rich history and recent success.

However, Air Force's departure from the MWC would be a major blow to the conference. For starters, they would drop below the eight-team minimum required to maintain its FBS status. As a result, this would leave the MWC scrambling to recruit new members to maintain its standing, potentially destabilizing the conference further.

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