The Big East Conference has announced that Navy will join as a football-only member starting in 2015, confirming reports from Monday. The news gives the conference 11 teams after the recent additions of SMU, Central Florida and Houston as full members and Boise State and San Diego State as football-only members.
The conference appears very excited with its new addition.
"When people look back, they will mark this as a truly historic day for the BIG EAST Conference," said Commissioner John Marinatto. "America’s first national football conference is adding a program with true national appeal. Navy’s decision to make the BIG EAST its first football conference home after over 100 years of independence demonstrates the value of our new expansion model and the long-term viability of our football product. The BIG EAST is truly proud to be associated with one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country and one of the most storied programs in college football."
The Midshipmen are coming off one of their worst seasons in some time, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2003. They have been an independent for their entire existence.
Keep up with the latest news and notes on the conference expansion whirlwind, with SB Nation's comprehensive conference realignment coverage. And for more fan perspective on the Big East, head to our blog Big East Coast Bias.