Source: Air Force emerges as serious target for AAC

Air Force has emerged as a serious target to add to the American Athletic Conference, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Before the Pac-12 took on four Mountain West Conference schools last week, Air Force had been mentioned in conversations as a possible AAC addition in recent months.

The AAC released a statement Monday night saying the league is “a pioneering brand, with strong and prestigious member institutions firmly established and grounded in hard work. Over the past five months, we have prioritized seizing every opportunity that adds value to our member institutions. And student-athlete.”

“Whether through private capital, naming rights, innovation partnerships, or restructuring, we have proactively evaluated every opportunity, and are ready to take action collaboratively to be at the forefront of success and sustainability,” the statement said.

The AAC has 14 football schools this season, including Army and Navy. There are no programs in the league in this week’s AP Top 25, but 3-0 Memphis, which beat Florida State on Saturday, received the most votes (77) of all unranked teams.