Report: Air Force Seen as 'Serious Target' for American Athletic Conference

After the Mountain West Conference lost four schools to the Pac-12 last week, Air Force reportedly could be next to follow.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Air Force "has emerged as a serious target to be added to the American Athletic Conference." The Falcons had been floated in conversations of additions for the AAC "in recent months."

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports confirmed that the AAC has had "serious conversations" about adding Air Force and detailed the thought process of new commissioner Tim Pernetti last week.

"According to those with knowledge of his thinking, Pernetti is interested in pursuing Mountain West programs, such as Air Force. Pernetti already has Army and Navy in his conference," Dellenger stated. "Air Force is a sensible and attractive addition, and the AAC could offer more in distribution than the Mountain West, which is at about $5-6 million."

The Pac-12 had dwindled to two teams, Washington State and Oregon State, following a string of conference realignment. However, the conference began its rebuilding process by accepting Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State. The schools will join the league starting in the 2026 season.

Dellenger named Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, North Texas, Rice and South Florida as the AAC schools that could be attracted to joining the reimagined Pac-12. If any of them leave the conference, adding Air Force could be a suitable replacement.

For the Mountain West, Dellenger speculated that it could rebuild by giving consideration to FCS programs like Tarleton State, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Montana State and Montana.