The Mountain West Conference has officially announced the inclusion of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as its seventh full-time member and the eighth institution to participate in football. UTEP will begin competing in all conference sports starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
This decision aligns with the Mountain West’s strategic membership initiatives, as stated by Commissioner Gloria Nevarez, who expressed enthusiasm about UTEP’s addition. The inclusion of UTEP not only reinstates historical rivalries with several existing member institutions but also enhances the conference’s visibility in Texas, a state known for its robust sports culture.
UTEP’s membership expands the Mountain West’s roster, which currently includes the United States Air Force Academy, the University of Hawaiʻi, Manoa (for football only), the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of New Mexico, San José State University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Wyoming. UTEP previously competed alongside these institutions as a member of the Western Athletic Conference.
UTEP President Heather Wilson noted that this change would positively impact student-athletes and fans alike, while also allowing the university to rekindle former rivalries within the conference.
Located at the westernmost edge of Texas, UTEP is recognized as America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. It boasts a diverse student body, with 84% of its 25,000 students identifying as Hispanic and many being the first in their families to pursue higher education. UTEP offers a range of academic programs and is a recognized research institution. Its athletic teams have achieved notable success, securing 21 NCAA championships, including a significant triumph in men’s basketball in 1966 against Kentucky.
Jim Senter, UTEP’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed pride in joining the Mountain West Conference, emphasizing the alignment with other quality athletic programs.