COLLEGE: Southern Utah, Utah Tech to join Big Sky in 2026

From media services

FARMINGTON, Utah — The Big Sky, the nation’s preeminent FCS conference, just got bigger.

 Effective July 1, 2026, Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University will join the league as full members and compete in the Big Sky starting with the 2026-27 academic year, the conference office announced Wednesday.

 “On behalf of the member institutions that comprise the Big Sky Conference, we welcome two rising universities to our league during a moment of monumental change within intercollegiate athletics,” said C. Scott Green, president of the University of Idaho and current chair of the Big Sky Presidents’ Council. “The Big Sky has an extensive and proud history, and alongside Southern Utah and Utah Tech, we aim to continue both competing and leading nationally with a steady and strategic focus.”

 The additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech for the 2026-27 academic year will give the Big Sky a total of 11 full members, which also include Eastern Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Montana, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State, and Weber State. The conference also has two football affiliate members, Cal Poly and UC Davis, as well as men’s golf affiliate Francis Marion, which joins the league for that sport on July 1, 2025. 

 “The time is right for the Big Sky to bring in Utah Tech and to bring back Southern Utah,” Big Sky commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. “The addition of rising rival athletic departments from these two universities, located squarely within our geographic footprint in the western United States, reinforce the long-term stability and success of our league. Amid a rapidly evolving national landscape that each day seemingly pulls college sports farther from its true mission, this move underscores our commitment to a strong and sustainable future at the top of the FCS and across several key sports. Both of these programs bring institutional alignment that will enhance the Big Sky’s tradition as a national leader that continually aspires to elevate the experience for our constituencies.”

Southern Utah and Utah Tech, located just 52 miles apart in Cedar City and St. George, respectively, will remain as members of the Western Athletic Conference until their pending move to the Big Sky. The Thunderbirds officially joined the WAC in 2022, while the Trailblazers became members in 2020.

Utah Tech — previously known as Dixie State — competed in the NJCAA's Scenic West Athletic Conference from 1984 to 2006.

 “We are excited to be rejoining the Big Sky Conference,” said President Mindy Benson. “This move sets a strong foundation for the future of SUU Athletics by expanding our visibility and creating meaningful opportunities for growth. We’re looking forward to renewing friendly in-state rivalries with Weber State and Utah Tech and eager to strengthen our connection to all the Big Sky Universities.”  

 SUU, which previously was part of the Big Sky from 2012-22, rejoins the league in which it won nine conference championships in its 10 seasons as a member. Beginning in the 2026-27 season, a total of 14 Thunderbird teams will compete for Big Sky championships in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field, women’s soccer, softball, and women’s indoor volleyball.

 “Utah Tech University is thrilled to join the Big Sky Conference, a respected leader in NCAA Division I athletics,” Shane B. Smeed, president of Utah Tech, said. “This invitation reflects the achievements of our student-athletes, world-class facilities, and the unwavering support of our community. Competing in the Big Sky allows us to keep and build meaningful regional rivalries and elevate the overall student-athlete experience. We can’t wait to welcome Big Sky teams and fans to Trailblazer Nation!” 

Utah Tech, who officially completed its full transition to Division I last summer, resides in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. When the 2026-27 season commences, at least 13 Trailblazer teams will compete for Big Sky championships in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, women’s indoor track & field, women’s outdoor track & field, women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, and women’s indoor volleyball.