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Southern Utah, Utah Tech Moving to Big Sky Conference in 2026

UTAH, UNITED STATES, JUN 25 – Southern Utah and Utah Tech return to the Big Sky to stabilize membership and preserve NCAA postseason automatic qualifier status amid recent conference realignments, adding 11 full members.

  • Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University will join the Big Sky Conference as full members starting July 1, 2026, expanding the league to 11 teams.
  • Southern Utah left the Big Sky in 2021 for the Western Athletic Conference, while Utah Tech transitioned to Division I starting in 2020 and joined the WAC football league in 2021.
  • Since departing the Big Sky Conference, Southern Utah has compiled an 18-16 record in football, while Utah Tech’s FCS record stands at 8-37 overall, including a single Big Sky victory over Northern Arizona in 2023.
  • Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill expressed that now is an opportune moment for Utah Tech to join the conference and for Southern Utah to return, highlighting their strong geographic location and competitive alignment with the league.
  • The move aims to strengthen Big Sky stability and regional rivalries, enhance visibility, and create growth opportunities for both programs and the conference's long-term success.
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18 Articles

NewsdayNewsday
+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Center

Southern Utah, Utah Tech moving to Big Sky Conference in 2026

Southern Utah and Utah Tech will join the Big Sky Conference as full members starting with the 2026-27 academic year.

·United States
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KSLKSL
Center

Southern Utah, Utah Tech to join Big Sky beginning in 2026

For the Thunderbirds, a reunion with its former conference is on tap. But they won't be alone this time in southern Utah.

·Salt Lake City, United States
Read Full Article
Sports IllustratedSports Illustrated
Lean Left

Southern Utah, Utah Tech Set To Join Big Sky Conference In 2026

Southern Utah and Utah Tech will make the transition to the Big Sky conference after the 2025 college football season, becoming the latest major realignment move in FCS football

·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Helena Independent RecordHelena Independent Record
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Center

Southern Utah, Utah Tech to join Big Sky Conference

The Big Sky Conference will have two new members in 2026-2027.

·Helena, United States
Read Full Article
The spokesman-ReviewThe spokesman-Review
Lean Left

Big Sky Conference adds Utah Tech, Southern Utah, beginning in 2026-27 academic year

After losing one of its members earlier in June, the Big Sky Conference hedged against any future departures by adding Southern Utah and Utah Tech to its ranks officially on Wednesday.

·Spokane, United States
Read Full Article
Krem2 NewsKrem2 News
Center

Big Sky Conference adding two Utah universities: Who they are and when they're joining

The University of Idaho and Eastern Washington University will have two new schools joining the Big Sky Conference soon.

·Spokane, United States
Read Full Article
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The Billings Gazette broke the news in Billings, United States on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
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