Imagine a world with UTEP athletics where geographic rivalries were renewed and travel made sense; a world where the Miners competed in the Mountain West...

The idea of UTEP making a move to the Mountain West continues to be an annual discussion in the ever-changing world of college athletics. On Thursday, the topic resurfaced yet again after word leaked that Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State would each leave the Mountain West for a "reimagined" Pac-12 in 2026. This plan includes the two active members of the conference in Oregon State and Washington State.

How does UTEP fit in? What's next for the Pac-12?

Let's dive into some scenarios

Pac-12 still needs teams

With six universities by 2026, the Pac-12 still needs two more universities to hop on board in order to be recognized by the NCAA as an official conference.

By adding these Mountain West schools, the Pac-12 is trying to tap into the the Southern California TV market, Boise's rabid fan base and a promising Denver sports market. The Pac-12 will also support these schools departing from the Mountain West with exit fees, as the league is projected to have $250 million at their disposal.

The Pac-12 could look to add a pair of other Mountain West schools, such as UNLV (Las Vegas market) or Air Force. Or, they could pursue some American Athletic Conference members like UTSA, Memphis and Tulane. The AAC has a $10 million exit fee.

The Pac-12 sees upside in future TV contracts, breaking into new markets and even a possible bid in the College Football Playoffs, similar to the other Power-4 conferences.

Next steps for the Mountain West

A conference made up of UNLV, Air Force, Utah State, New Mexico, San Jose State, Nevada, Wyoming and Hawaii (football only) is the foreseeable future for the Mountain West. The league has a looming TV rights deal expiring by 2025-26. Eight schools in the league will be enough by NCAA standards, but what's the future appeal to their current TV partners, Fox and CBS?

Exit fees for the four departing schools could exceed $100 million in the Mountain West. However, if other Mountain West schools depart and find another conference, it is possible that conference members vote to dissolve the Mountain West and alleviate each school of exit fees.

Here's where UTEP could step in

If the Mountain West wanted to stay afloat and pursue expansion, it makes the most geographic sense to look at schools like UTEP and NM State. Conference USA exit fees range close to $800,000 annually.

But could UTEP and NM State move the needle enough to make the Mountain West a desirable conference to future TV partners?  Short answer, probably not.

On the flip side, could the Mountain West adopt an approach made popular by CUSA and pursue FCS schools? Universities from the Big Sky conference might make sense since Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and Idaho each have relevant football programs at the FCS level. CUSA converted Sam Houston, Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State from FCS to FBS over the past two years, while Missouri State and Delaware are on the way into the conference in the next two years. Could the Mountain West take a similar approach and bring on FCS universities to keep them afloat?

For now, UTEP's best chance of gaining a seat at the table in Mountain West discussions hinges on success in major sports like football and men's basketball. The Miners boast a dedicated fan base, and resources at UTEP are improving. Although still in its early stages, the impact of NIL is beginning to be felt among UTEP athletes.