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Ranking rumored teams on AAC football’s realignment wish list

By Jacob Ellerbee

Sep 18, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker DJ Schramm (52) leads the team out prior to the first half of play versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker DJ Schramm (52) leads the team out prior to the first half of play versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /
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UAB is an attractive candidate in conference realignment
Dec 21, 2019; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; UAB Blazers head coach Bill Clark on the sidelines in the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Air Force Falcons

Media Market Size: 82 (Colorado Springs/Pueblo, Colo.)
Record since 2016: 34-22
School Enrollment: 4,300

Air Force, currently of the Mountain West, has just one win against a Power Five school since 2016, which came against Colorado of the Pac-12 in 2019.

The Falcons have the luxury of year-to-year consistency in head coach Troy Calhoun, who has served in that role since 2007. Under the tutelage of Calhoun, the Falcons have been to 10 bowl games and had a stretch in which they were ranked in the AP Top 25.

Turning their annual game against current AAC member school Navy would be thrilling, must-see television, providing even bigger stakes.

3. UAB Blazers

Media Market Size: 45 (Birmingham/Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Record since 2016: 34-16
School Enrollment: 22,080

One of Conference USA’s strongest teams in recent years, Alabama-Birmingham often gets overshadowed in a state that boasts two perennial Top 25 teams in Alabama and Auburn.

UAB has earned invites to four straight bowl games dating back to 2017, but they have not had a recent signature win over a Power Five school. However, that has not stopped donors and boosters from investing heavily into this football program.

The Blazers have opened a brand-new $200 million stadium that seats more than 44,000 — a clear sign of a healthy football program and one on the rise.

UAB would serve as a great platform for AAC teams to reach those star players who don’t get an offer from Alabama or Auburn but want to remain in their home state.

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