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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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Boisie State is an attractive candidate for college football conference realignment
Sep 3, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boise State Broncos head coach Andy Avalos looks on during the second half against the UCF Knights at Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

2. San Diego State Aztecs

Media Market Size: 27 (San Diego, Calif.)
Record since 2016: 42-19
School Enrollment: 34,031

San Diego State has won six games against Power Five opponents in the last five seasons, an impressive clip. This Mountain West team consistently hovers on the fringes of the Top 25 rankings regularly. The Aztecs have been to four bowl games in the last five years, going 2-2.

Brady Hoke, the former head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, has brought a Big Ten mindset to San Diego State. He has the Aztecs playing excellent defense and an unmatched running game since he took over in January 2020.

San Diego State would give the AAC its first and only team in California, something the conference could desperately use to help get second-tier recruits out of the Pac-12. Currently, the Mountain West has dibs on those second-tier talents, so a move to the AAC might not be the most optimal move for the Aztecs. However, the AAC will throw everything they can at luring them away from the MWC.

1. Boise State Broncos

Media Market Size: 101 (Boise, Idaho)
Record since 2016: 48-13
School Enrollment: 16,898

The Boise State Broncos have won four games against the Power Five since 2016 and were invited to four bowl games in that timespan. They’ve been playing great football as of late, boasting the best record of any team on this list.

Their signature home field blue turf and an iconic statue of liberty play in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl make them one of the biggest non-Power Five brands in the country.

Boise State would be an excellent fit in the AAC, however, they’d also be an excellent fit in the Big 12. Many are speculating that the Big 12 could have another wave of expansion, which might include Boise State and Memphis. So, the Broncos may be willing to be patient and see if the Big 12 comes calling.

*School Enrollment data is from the 2019 school year
**Media Market Size data is via 2021 Nielsen DMA data 

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