ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
American Conference not pursuing expansion, but 3 interested
The American Conference said it is not pursuing new members at this time after overtures from three schools about possibly joining the league.In a statement to ESPN, the American said it is "not proactively seeking additional members. We will continue to evaluate the changing landscape and opportunities that strengthen the conference and support our collective mission."
The statement came after Miami (Ohio), James Madison and UConn had reached out about potentially joining the league, sources told ESPN. The American currently has 14 football-playing members.
Miami (MAC) and James Madison (Sun Belt) play football in different leagues, while UConn is one of two FBS independents in football, the other being Notre Dame. Most of UConn's teams, including men's and women's basketball, compete in the Big East. UConn played football in the American from 2014 to 2019 before going independent for the second time in its history.
"We strive every day for excellence and to best position our student-athletes and university," JMU's athletic department said in a statement. "Our charge is to evaluate every opportunity to make JMU Athletics the best it can be now and moving forward."
The American most recently expanded in 2024 with Army after adding six new members in 2023.
On3 first reported the interest from Miami (Ohio), JMU and UConn, adding that Miami offered the American $30 million to $40 million to join the league.
Report: James Madison, Miami (OH), UConn attempt to join American
The American Conference has several suitors for expansion, if the league chooses to go down that road.James Madison, Miami (OH), and UConn each contacted the American about potential membership, per On3 Sports' Brett McMurphy. However, the league is not interested in expanding at this time, per McMurphy.
Just sayin': Apparently Fredo was actually looking to leave the MAC.