Report: UTEP is in 'deep discussions' with Mountain West about attending conference

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Mountain West is in “deep discussions” with UTEP to attend the conference. No agreement has been reached yet, but the Miners are expected to announce their decision in the near future.

“Sources: The Mountain West is in intensive discussions with UTEP and there is mutual interest from both sides,” Thamel said via X. “A deal has yet to be finalized, but a response regarding UTEP joining the league is expected soon.”

UTEP has a long football history dating back to 1935. There have been several conference affiliations throughout the program's history and they are currently members of Conference USA. The partnership is currently in its 20th season, having previously been active in the WAC.

There wasn't much success on the field. The season begins 0-4, which tends to be their third losing season in a row. Since 2000, UTEP has finished above .500 only twice, with its only double-digit win coming in 1988 under head coach Bob Stull.

As things stand, the MWC has lost five members in the most recent round of conference realignment. They all participate in the Pac-12, which drops the Group of Five conference below the eight-member requirement.

Seven are currently in the Mountain West's future plans and only need one more. While there is still some time to get the work done and the number doesn't need to be reached until 2028, the goal is to reach an agreement sooner rather than later.

UTEP could be the final piece of the puzzle.

Mountain West is exploring expanding several schools

Several goals emerge Mountain West after losing five teams to the Pac-12According to reports. State of Texas, Northern Illinois And Toledo are all being scrutinized as MWC members as more and more dominoes begin to fall to realign the conference.

Texas State is being considered as a full member of the Mountain West, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported. However, Northern Illinois and Toledo would be football-only members. MWC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez informed MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher of the league's interest in both schools Yahoo! Sport' Ross Dellenger.

On3's Nick Schultz contributed to this report