Boise State University has become a household name in college football, thanks to its iconic blue turf and thrilling victories. But many fans still ask: What conference is Boise State in? This guide explores Boise State’s current conference affiliation, its history of conference moves, and what the future might hold. Whether you’re a Broncos fan, a college football follower, or just curious about college football conference realignment, here’s everything you need to know about Boise State’s conference status.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:
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Boise State’s current conference affiliation
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The complete history of Boise State conference moves
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Why Boise State joined the Mountain West Conference (MWC)
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Boise State’s football and sports performance within the MWC
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Potential college football realignment options for Boise State in the future
✅ Boise State’s Current Conference: Mountain West Conference (MWC)
As of 2025, Boise State competes in the Mountain West Conference for all major sports, including:
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Football
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Men’s & Women’s Basketball
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Baseball
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Soccer
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Track & Field
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Olympic Sports
The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is a part of the Group of Five (G5) leagues, outside the Power Five (P5) conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12. However, the MWC is often considered the strongest G5 conference, regularly producing New Year’s Six bowl contenders.
✅ Boise State’s Mountain West Rivals
As a leading program in the MWC, Boise State has built strong rivalries with:
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Fresno State (Battle for the Milk Can)
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San Diego State
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Nevada
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Air Force
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Colorado State
✅ History of Boise State Conference Affiliations
Boise State has had an impressive journey through multiple conferences, evolving from a junior college to a Group of Five football powerhouse:
➜ Junior College & Early Years (1933–1967)
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No NCAA conference affiliation; played in the NJCAA.
➜ Big Sky Conference (1970–1995)
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Moved to NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS).
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Won multiple national championships.
➜ Big West Conference (1996–2000)
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Transitioned to NCAA Division I-A (now FBS).
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Short stint with limited competition.
➜ Western Athletic Conference (WAC) (2001–2010)
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Boise State became a national football sensation.
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Historic 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma.
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Left due to WAC instability.
➜ Mountain West Conference (2011–Present)
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Joined the Mountain West Conference to secure better competition and stability.
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Consistently ranks among the top programs in the MWC.
✅ Why Boise State Moved to the Mountain West Conference
Boise State’s decision to join the Mountain West Conference was driven by:
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Conference Stability: The WAC was collapsing as schools departed.
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Better Bowl Access: The MWC offered better bowl tie-ins, including the Las Vegas Bowl and Hawaii Bowl.
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TV Rights & Revenue: Boise State negotiated a unique TV deal for its home games, increasing national exposure and revenue.
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College Football Playoff Path: Boise State regularly competes for the top Group of Five spot, offering a chance to make the College Football Playoff under the 12-team format.
✅ Boise State Football’s Success in the MWC
Boise State Football is widely considered the flagship program of the Mountain West Conference:
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9 MWC Championships (2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
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Multiple New Year’s Six Bowl appearances and wins.
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Maintains a special TV rights deal for additional revenue and exposure.
✅ Boise State Basketball & Other Sports in the Mountain West
Beyond football, Boise State has excelled in other sports within the MWC:
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Men’s Basketball: 4 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2013.
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Women’s Basketball & Olympic Sports: Competitive programs in softball, track & field, and more.
✅ Could Boise State Join a Power Five Conference?
Boise State frequently appears in college football realignment discussions. Here’s a look at possible scenarios:
➜ Possible Power Five Destinations:
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Big 12 Conference: Most likely option if the Big 12 expands again.
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Pac-12 (Future Rebuild): Could be considered if the Pac-12 reforms.
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American Athletic Conference (AAC): A G5 move that’s unlikely to offer major gains over the MWC.
➜ Challenges for Boise State:
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Smaller TV market compared to other candidates.
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Lack of AAU academic status, which some P5 leagues prioritize.
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Strong current position within the Mountain West Conference.
➜ Boise State’s Current Approach:
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Open to Power Five invitations but satisfied with the MWC for now.
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Continues to focus on dominating the Group of Five landscape.
✅ Conclusion: Boise State’s Conference Status
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Current Conference: Mountain West Conference (since 2011)
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Football Status: Top-tier Group of Five contender with national recognition.
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Future Outlook: Potential Power Five move in the future, but firmly rooted in the MWC for now.
Boise State remains one of the most successful G5 programs, and its conference future will continue to generate headlines.
✅ FAQs: Boise State Conference Info
Q: Is Boise State in the Pac-12?
A: No, Boise State competes in the Mountain West Conference.
Q: Has Boise State ever been in a Power Five conference?
A: No, Boise State has always competed in Group of Five conferences.
Q: Can Boise State make the College Football Playoff?
A: Yes! Under the new 12-team format, the top Group of Five champion earns an automatic CFP bid.
Q: Why hasn’t Boise State joined the Big 12 yet?
A: Factors include TV market size, academics, and no formal invitation yet.
Q: What’s Boise State’s best football season?
A: 2006 & 2009 (undefeated, Fiesta Bowl wins) and 2014 (Fiesta Bowl win over Arizona).
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