Southern Utah University to Rejoin the Big Sky Conference
Published: June 25, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University announced today that it will rejoin the Big Sky Conference, effective July 1, 2026. This move marks a return to a league where SUU previously competed, bringing with it a renewed focus on student-athlete success, institutional alignment, and regional collaboration.
SUU will enter the conference alongside Utah Tech University, with both institutions beginning Big Sky competition in the 2026-27 academic year. The addition of two Utah-based universities enhances the conference's regional footprint and opens the door for strengthened in-state partnerships.
"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."
"Thunderbird Nation is thrilled to be returning to the Big Sky Conference," said Interim Athletic Director Tom Higbee. "The Big Sky is a premier conference with a proud history and a strong competitive spirit. We're grateful for the opportunity to rejoin and look forward to contributing to the league's continued success. I'm excited for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans and appreciate their unwavering support of Thunderbird Athletics."
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."
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. The move reflects the university's long-standing commitment to fostering personal growth, leadership, and academic excellence among its student-athletes, while enhancing regional engagement and reducing travel demands for many teams.
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. The Thunderbird gymnastics program will continue to compete in the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference, as the Big Sky does not sponsor the sport.
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 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.
Contact Information: