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Three programs — UConn, Miami (Ohio) and James Madison — have been linked to potential moves to the American Athletic Conference, but the league says it is not actively looking to add members. The statement leaves the door open to future opportunities while rejecting immediate expansion.
Conference response
The American told FOS that it is not pursuing new members right now. “The American is not proactively seeking additional members,” the league said, adding that it will keep watching “the changing landscape and opportunities that strengthen the conference and support our collective mission.”
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Which schools have shown interest
On3 reported that Miami (Ohio) and James Madison have expressed interest in joining the conference as full members, while UConn reportedly inquired about a football-only return.
Miami (Ohio), a Mid-American Conference member, has drawn attention after a notable men’s basketball season. Miami’s athletic director, David Sayler, told FOS the program does not engage in speculation: “We focus on our student athletes, developing winning programs, and graduating champions.”
A James Madison spokesperson likewise emphasized a measured approach: “We strive every day for excellence and to best position our student-athletes and university. Our charge is to evaluate every opportunity to make JMU Athletics the best it can be now and moving forward.”
Representatives from UConn did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported outreach.
Why UConn’s interest is notable
UConn’s football status has been complicated since the broader conference realignments. When the original Big East transformed into the American Athletic Conference a decade ago, the Huskies remained with that league. In 2020 they moved to the current Big East — a conference that does not sponsor football — leaving UConn football to operate as an independent.
The program has enjoyed success on the basketball court in the Big East, but being independent in football has created scheduling and competitive challenges.
What happens next
For now, the American’s stance is cautious. The league’s public message stresses monitoring developments rather than opening recruitment drives.
That approach preserves flexibility while signaling that any realignment would be evaluated against the conference’s long-term goals.
