BYU to the Big East: Would Joining Convince Air Force, Boise State to Come Too?

According to multiple reports, BYU has agreed in principle to join the Big East as a football-only member, and an announcement could come as early as this week. Houston, SMU, Central Florida and Navy are all expected to join, and Boise State and Air Force are the two other western schools that are the frontrunners for the other spots.

However, Boise State and Air Force have had some reservations about going to the Big East because of the league’s instability and lack of television deal. As a service academy, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould also has concerns over the perceived motives and loyalty of the school joining a major athletic conference.

But if BYU joins the Big East, that should really help put the Broncos and Falcons on board. In order for them to realistically join, a “West division” would have to be formed, and adding the Cougars is a step in the right direction. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall went so far as to say that BYU and Boise are “natural rivals” given their proximity and should consequently be in the same conference.

For Air Force, another major selling point could be having Navy join as well, and there has been no indication that the Midshipmen would decline an offer to join the Big East if one were to be made at this point.

BYU also adds a level of stability to the league because so far teams have only left and not joined. Having the second most popular non automatic qualifying school join would almost certainly mean that things have worked out well behind the scenes and that a great television deal is forthcoming.

If the Cougars do end up joining the Big East, there’s really no reason for Boise State or Air Force to say no.