After UTEP to MWC move, Texas State becomes likely addition in recent wave of conference realignment in G5

The latest move in the conference realignment scene, UTEP to MWC, occurred on Tuesday. The Miners formally announced their departure from Conference USA to join the stabilized Mountain West Conference while restoring the latter to eight football programs and fulfilling its FBS participation requirement.

MWC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez wasted little time rebuilding her depleted roster that saw the Utah State Aggies depart for the Pac-12 last week.

After confirming the UTEP to MWC move, college football insider Jim Williams took to X to link the conference with the Texas State Bobcats.

Williams tweeted:

"They are moving quickly with their eyes on Texas - According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Mountain West is in ‘deep talks’ with the UTEP Miners to leave Conference USA and join the MWC, and both sides are interested. This comes after the conference and Texas State have talked about adding them as members."

According to ESPN, the battle for Texas State will again pit the Mountain West Conference against the Pac-12, which has reportedly made a verbal offer to the Bobcats.

UTEP to MWC revives old rivalries

The UTEP to MWC move not only gives the conference a football majority that restores it as an FBS member, it also revives old rivalries, especially between the Miners and Nevada Wolf Pack.

Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez, who has toiled to keep her conference intact while making conference realignment and expansion moves of her own, commented on the arrival of the Miners.

“The addition of UTEP restores historic rivalries with several of our member institutions within the geographic footprint and provides valuable exposure in the great state of Texas. We welcome and look forward to competing against the student-athletes of UTEP."

Miners president Heather Wilson also noted the renewal of rivalries when her program announced its move to the Mountain West Conference.

“There’s no doubt this will be better for our student-athletes, our fans, and for El Paso. We look forward to rekindling former rivalries and welcoming teams and their fans to El Paso."

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the MWC is considering another Texas school. The conference hopes to add the Tarleton State Texans.