Boise State University is one of the most recognizable names in college football, known for its blue turf, thrilling upsets, and consistent success. But what conference does Boise State compete in?
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Boise State’s current conference affiliation
- The history of Boise State’s conference realignments
- Why Boise State moved to the Mountain West (MW)
- How Boise State’s conference impacts football, basketball, and other sports
- Future conference realignment possibilities
Boise State’s Current Conference: The Mountain West (MW)
As of 2024, Boise State competes in the Mountain West Conference (MW) for all major sports, including:
- Football
- Basketball (Men’s & Women’s)
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Olympic sports
The Mountain West (MW) is a Group of Five (G5) conference, meaning it is outside the Power Five (P5) leagues (SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, Pac-12). However, the MW is considered one of the strongest G5 conferences, often competing for New Year’s Six bowl bids.
Key Mountain West Rivals for Boise State
- Fresno State (Battle for the Milk Can)
- Nevada
- Air Force
- Colorado State
- San Diego State
History of Boise State’s Conference Affiliations
Boise State has undergone multiple conference changes, rising from a junior college to an FBS powerhouse.
1. Junior College & Small College Era (1933–1967)
- No conference affiliation (Independent)
- Competed in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)
2. Big Sky Conference (1970–1995)
- Joined the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1970.
- Won three Division I-AA championships (1980, 1994, 1995).
3. Big West Conference (1996–2000)
- Moved up to Division I-A (now FBS) in 1996.
- Played in the Big West, a declining conference with mostly California schools.
4. Western Athletic Conference (WAC) (2001–2010)
- First major breakthrough era for Boise State football.
- Undefeated seasons in 2006 & 2009, including the famous 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma.
- The WAC weakened as key schools (BYU, Utah, TCU) left for the Mountain West.
5. Mountain West Conference (2011–Present)
- Boise State joined the MW in 2011 to gain stability and better competition.
- Won multiple MW championships in football and basketball.
Why Did Boise State Join the Mountain West?
Boise State’s move to the Mountain West was driven by:
1. Conference Stability & Better Competition
- The WAC was collapsing (lost Hawaii, Fresno State, Nevada to MW).
- The MW offered stronger football programs (Boise State, Utah, TCU, BYU at the time).
2. Access to Better Bowl Games
- The MW had tie-ins with:
- Las Vegas Bowl
- Hawaii Bowl
- Poinsettia Bowl (now defunct)
- Boise State has played in multiple New Year’s Six bowls (Fiesta, Peach).
3. Increased TV Revenue
- The MW had a better TV deal than the WAC.
- Boise State negotiated special TV rights for home games.
4. Path to the College Football Playoff (CFP)
- As the top Group of Five team, Boise State has a shot at the CFP (starting in 2024 with a 12-team format).
Boise State Football & the Mountain West
Boise State football has been the flagship program of the Mountain West, with:
- 9 MW Championships (2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- 3 Fiesta Bowl wins (2007, 2010, 2014)
- Consistent Top 25 rankings
Boise State’s Unique TV Deal
- Unlike most G5 schools, Boise State has a separate TV deal for home games (originally with ESPN, now with Fox).
- This allows more national exposure and revenue.
New Year’s Six Bowl Access
- The highest-ranked Group of Five champion gets a New Year’s Six bowl bid.
- Boise State has been in contention multiple times.
Boise State Basketball & Other Sports in the MW
While football gets the most attention, Boise State has had success in other sports:
Men’s Basketball
- 4 NCAA Tournament appearances (2013, 2015, 2022, 2023)
- Regular MW title contenders
Women’s Basketball & Olympic Sports
- Softball, wrestling, and track & field compete in the MW.
- Women’s basketball has been competitive in conference play.
Could Boise State Join a Power Five Conference?
Boise State has been mentioned in realignment rumors, but no move has happened yet.
Potential Destinations
- Big 12
- The most likely option if expansion happens.
- Would provide Power Five status and more revenue.
- Issue: Academics and market size may not appeal to the Big 12.
- Pac-12 (Now Pac-2, Possibly Rebuilding)
- If the Pac-12 reforms, Boise State could be a target.
- Issue: The Pac-12 traditionally prefers larger markets.
- American Athletic Conference (AAC)
- A stronger G5 league, but not a major upgrade over the MW.
Challenges to Moving Up
- Academic Profile: Boise State is not an AAU school, which some P5 leagues prefer.
- Market Size: Boise is a smaller TV market compared to other expansion targets.
- Stability in the MW: The MW is a good fit competitively.
Boise State’s Stance
- Preference: Would join a Power Five league if invited.
- Current Reality: Likely staying in the MW unless the Big 12 expands further.
Conclusion: Boise State’s Conference Future
- Current Conference: Mountain West (MW) (since 2011).
- Football Status: Group of Five (G5) powerhouse, competing for NY6 bowls.
- Future Possibility: A Big 12 invite is possible, but not guaranteed.
Boise State has thrived in the MW, but if a Power Five opportunity arises, the Broncos could make the jump. For now, they remain one of the top programs in the Group of Five.
Would you like to see Boise State in a Power Five conference, or is the MW the best fit? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ: Boise State Conference Affiliation
Q: Is Boise State in the Pac-12?
A: No, Boise State is in the Mountain West (MW). The Pac-12 has collapsed, leaving only Oregon State and Washington State.
Q: Has Boise State ever been in a Power Five conference?
A: No, Boise State has always been in Group of Five (G5) conferences (WAC, MW).
Q: Can Boise State make the College Football Playoff?
A: Yes! Starting in 2024, the highest-ranked G5 champion gets an auto-bid in the 12-team CFP.
Q: Why doesn’t Boise State join the Big 12?
A: The Big 12 has not invited them yet, possibly due to academics and market size concerns.
Q: What was Boise State’s best season?
A: 2006 & 2009 (undefeated, Fiesta Bowl wins) and 2014 (Fiesta Bowl victory over Arizona).
