FARMINGTON, Utah (June 25, 2025) – 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 today.
“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,” 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.
“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.
About the Big Sky Conference
Founded in 1963, the Big Sky Conference is a NCAA Division I conference competing in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Big Sky prides itself on its “#ExperienceElevated” platform that emphasizes the unique traits and lifelong benefits that the conference and its member institutions provide to around 3,300 student-athletes each year. Conference members have won 13 NCAA championships, including seven in football by five different members as well as six of the last nine Division I men’s cross country titles by NAU.
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to help them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.
About SUU Athletics
Southern Utah University Athletics is home to 15 NCAA Division I teams. SUU Athletics supports the University’s educational mission by fostering leadership, personal growth, and academic excellence. Committed to integrity and community engagement, we prepare student-athletes for success both on and off the field. SUU Athletics is more than competition - it’s a transformative part of the Thunderbird experience.
About Utah Tech University
Utah Tech University welcomes all students to experience the hands-on, career-preparing education that a polytechnic institution provides. Our nearly 300 programs offer transformative experiences across all disciplines – humanities, arts, education, health sciences, business, and STEM – with the most affordable university tuition in Utah. Our students make, create, and innovate in the classroom and online while gaining real-world active learning experiences through internships, clinical experiences, undergraduate research, industry partnerships, and service learning. As a teaching institution, we meet students where they are, provide personalized learning, and create a caring, supportive community for anyone with a desire to improve their future through education. Students graduate prepared for rewarding careers and enriched lives with the technical, critical thinking, and collaborative skills needed to excel in our ever-changing global economy.
About Utah Tech Athletics
The mission of Utah Tech Athletics is to advance the University’s vision while focusing on the overall well-being of our student-athletes as we prepare and empower each of them for academic and competitive success at Utah Tech University and beyond. We are committed to serving and engaging the University and local community while preserving and establishing meaningful and enduring relationships with our stakeholders. We will do so with uncompromising integrity and sportsmanship exceeding the guidance provided by the NCAA.
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