MISSOULA — Southern Utah and Utah Tech are set to join the Big Sky Conference as full members, effective July 1, 2026, the league announced Wednesday. Both programs will begin competing in the Big Sky in the 2026-27 academic year.
“The time is right for the Big Sky to bring in Utah Tech and to bring back Southern Utah,” Big Sky commissioner Tom Wistrcill said in a news release. “The addition of rising rival athletic departments from these two universities, located squarely within our geographic footprint in the western United States, reinforce the longterm stability and success of our league.
"Amid a rapidly evolving national landscape that each day seemingly pulls college sports further 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.”
The addition of the two Utah schools will give the Big Sky 11 full members after Sacramento State's departure after the 2025-26 year. The other nine full members are Montana, Montana State, Idaho, Idaho State, Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State and Weber State. Cal Poly and UC Davis are affiliate members in football, and Francis Marion will join the conference as a men's golf affiliate on July 1 of this year.
For Southern Utah, which is based in Cedar City, it'll be a return to the Big Sky. The Thunderbirds were previously in the conference from 2012 until 2022, when they joined the Western Athletic Conference. They've competed in the WAC since and currently play football in the United Athletic Conference.
“We are excited to be rejoining the Big Sky Conference,” said SUU 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.”
During their prior tenure in the Big Sky, SUU won nine conference championships, including football titles in 2015 and 2017. In 2021, their last football season in the Big Sky, the Thunderbirds went 0-8 in the conference and 1-10 overall. The past three years, they've gone 5-6, 6-5 and 7-5.
Southern Utah begins its 2025 football schedule Aug. 30 against Big Sky member Idaho State. The Thunderbirds also play nonconference games this season against Northern Arizona and UC Davis of the Big Sky.
In addition to football, Southern Utah's athletic programs that will compete in the Big Sky include 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 and outdoor track and field, women's soccer, softball and women's volleyball.
Utah Tech, located in St. George and formerly called Dixie State, is also a member of the WAC and UAC after completing its transition to NCAA Division I athletics in 2024. The Trailblazers started that process in 2020 after previously competing at the Division II level.
“Utah Tech University is thrilled to join the Big Sky Conference, a respected leader in NCAA Division I athletics,” said Shane B. Smeed, president of Utah Tech. “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 currently sponsors Big Sky sports football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, women's indoor and outdoor track and field, women's soccer, softball, women's tennis and women's volleyball.
In football, the Trailblazers have become familiar with Big Sky opponents over the past five years. Last year, they lost to Montana State, Northern Arizona and UC Davis in nonconference games, as they went 1-11 overall (1-7 in the UAC).
Since moving to Division I, Utah Tech has also played current Big Sky members Montana, Sacramento State and Weber State. The Thunderbirds open their 2025 football season against UC Davis and then play Northern Arizona and Idaho.
