As the world crossed into the second half of 2026, college sports passed into yet another phase of conference realignment.

Back is the Pac-12 — more like the Pac-9 or maybe the All-State conference (except Gonzaga) — at the cost of the Mountain West. The Mountain West in turn raided the non-existent hills of Illinois to add Northern Illinois to the conference for football. They also added FCS powerhouse North Dakota State to their gridiron group. 

“We are thrilled to welcome North Dakota State University’s football program to the Mountain West,” Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said back in February when the move was announced. “The Bison bring a championship mindset and a bold vision for growth that aligns with the unwavering commitment to the excellence of the Mountain West.” 

Speaking of teams moving up from FCS to FBS, Sacramento State bid farewell to the Big Sky after attempting to burn every bridge on the way out. The Hornet football team is in the geographically apt Mid-American Conference — I guess those names aren’t really representative since this realignment wave began. 

“This is a historic moment for Sacramento State — a bold leap into the future,” Sacramento State president Dr. Luke Wood said when the move was announced. “Our move to the FBS represents more than a change in classification; it is a declaration of who we are and where we’re going.” 

The price tag for Sacramento State sticks out above all. The school is on the hook for a $5 million reclassifying fee as well as an $18 million fee to join the conference. NDSU is paying a total of $17.5 million to join the Mountain West. 

Another change is the rebranding of the WAC to the UAC as the conference combines with the Atlantic Sun Conference. With the rebrand came four schools looking for a new home. 

Cal Baptist and Utah Valley move to the Big West, along with Sacramento State’s non-football sports. 

Utah Tech and Southern Utah join the Big Sky. The UT Trailblazers settle in after moving up from Division II in 2020, while the Thunderbirds had just left the Big Sky in 2022. 

“We are excited and proud to officially be members of the Big Sky Conference,” said Utah Tech’s executive athletic director Ken Beazer. “As we begin our third decade of NCAA competition, it is gratifying to know that all the hard work and sacrifices, and the successes we achieved over those first 20 years, has led us to this great day.” 

Montana and Montana State will meet the new foes instantly come football season as the Grizzlies open at home against the Thunderbirds, while the Bobcats head to St. George. 

The college world feels like a never-ending revolving door when it comes to conference realignment.  

Maybe one day regional conferences will return. I can only hope. 

Reporter Jon Allen can be reached at 406-758-4426 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.