Reports: Air Force, UNLV staying in Mountain West

Field Level Media|published: 09/26/2024, 1:27pm EDT

Nov 18, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; UNLV Rebels defensive back Kris Williams (17) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

UNLV and Air Force have opted to remain in the Mountain West Conference, according to multiple reports late Wednesday.

UNLV rejected overtures from the rebuilding Pac-12 Conference. Air Force turned down heavy interest from the American Athletic Conference.

The decisions by the Runnin' Rebels and the Falcons to stay put follows the previously announced departures of five Mountain West members to the Pac-12: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State.

Air Force and UNLV made the choice to stay put after receiving "significant financial incentives," Yahoo Sports reported. A specific dollar figure was not provided.

The Mountain West has six full members and seven football-playing schools, including Hawaii. It still must meet the minimum requirement of eight member schools set by the NCAA and College Football Playoff.

All of the remaining Mountain West schools -- including New Mexico, Nevada, San Jose State and Wyoming -- are expected to sign a binding agreement with the league on Thursday, according to ESPN and Yahoo Sports.

With seven members, the Pac-12 is still one short of the minimum requirements. On Monday, Memphis, Tulane, South Florida and UTSA all passed on Pac-12 offers to remain in the AAC.

--Field Level Media