Hawaii pushes Mountain West over minimum threshold for FBS conference status as school becomes full member

Hawaii is joining the Mountain West Conference as a full member and will begin competition in all sports on July 1, 2026, the league announced Tuesday . Hawaii has been a football-only member of the Mountain West since 2012 and currently competes in the Big West in most other sports.

"We are thrilled to welcome the University of Hawaii to the Mountain West as a full-time member," Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a statement released by the school. "Hawaii has been a tremendous football-only member since 2012, and we're excited to add their incredible national brand across all MW sports. As the flagship institution on the islands, with extraordinary academics and a celebrated athletics tradition, we look forward to providing their student-athletes with exceptional educational and athletic experiences."

This news is crucial for the Mountain West's future, with league membership increasing to eight solid members -- the minimum requirement to be recognized as an FBS conference by the NCAA. It's an important distinction when it comes to eligibility for one of five automatic berths in the 12-team College Football Playoff field.

The Mountain West's seven members have already received signed memorandums of understanding that tie each program to the league through 2032. That list includes including top expansion candidates UNLV and Air Force .