Hawai'i Joins Mountain West as Full Member Amid Conference Realignment Rumors

The University of Hawai'i announced Tuesday it's joining the Mountain West as a full member starting on July 1, 2026.

While aligned with the Mountain West for football, the Rainbow Warriors were in the Big West for other sports.

"This is a momentous day for University of Hawai'i Athletics," athletic director Craig Angelos said. "We've had the privilege of being a football-only member in the Mountain West for the last dozen years. Now the majority of our sports will enjoy the same experience of competing in this exceptional conference. Joining the Mountain West allows us to renew some historic rivalries, creates opportunities for increased exposure and provides stability in the constantly-evolving world of collegiate athletics."

Action Network's Brett McMurphy reported the Mountain West will now shift its focus toward potentially poaching Northern Illinois and Toledo from the MAC.

The Huskies and Rockets would come aboard as football-only members in 2026 under the proposal being discussed, per McMurphy.

The Mid-American Conference, which has 12 schools, wouldn't be totally destabilized by their departures, but losing two of its more successful programs on the gridiron would raise long-term questions about its sustainability.

The Mountain West was left reeling after the Pac-12 raided the conference in its own bid for survival. Five schools (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State) mapped out an exit plan for 2026.

Adding Hawai'i as a full-fledged member not only gives the Mountain West more firm footing outside of football, but it also means the conference meets the eight-school minimum required by the NCAA.