Air Force has emerged as a target for the American Athletic Conference amid the latest wave of conference realignment, CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd confirms. Per Dodd, the AAC has shown interest in Air Force, as well as fellow Mountain West Conference program UNLV.
News of the AAC’s interest in Air Force comes a week after the Pac-12 officially announced that it will add Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State to incumbent members Oregon State and Washington State on July 1, 2026. The Pac-12 is still actively searching to expand its ranks to eight teams.
Conversely, losing Air Force would put the Mountain West below the eight-team threshold required to be recognized as a conference at the FBS level. The Mountain West would have two years from Air Force’s exit to bolster its ranks and get above the minimum requirement.
“The American Conference is a pioneering brand, firmly grounded in grit and hard work, with powerful and prestigious member institutions,” AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti said in a statement. “In the past five months, we have prioritized seizing every opportunity that enhances value for our member institutions and student-athletes. Whether through private capital, naming rights, innovative partnerships or realignment, we have proactively assessed each opportunity and are prepared to collaboratively take action-steps to be at the forefront of success and sustainability.”
If Air Force flees the MWC for the AAC, it would unite all three service academies in the same conference for the first time ever. Navy shirked its independence and joined the American in 2015; Army is currently in its first season in the AAC. Air Force has played as an independent for a majority of its early history, though it was a member of the Western Athletic Conference from 1980-98 prior to becoming a charter member of the Mountain West in 1999.
