In 2021, Western Kentucky University had its eyes in a firm gaze at the Mid-American Conference. It would be there now if not for Middle Tennessee’s reluctance to move.

Conferences were in flux in that time frame, and WKU clearly looked like it was bound for the Mid-American Conference and all its stability. Stability was high on the list for programs in search of new conference affiliations.

Things have changed during the past few short years. Conference USA has stabilized. WKU is still gazing at the MAC – which with the addition of UMass is looking for another member to even out its league – but with not as much need.

The MAC will add UMass to its collection of entrenched schools in a conference that has been remarkably stable during the past several decades, stable while others around it scramble to court additions.

This time around, WKU is in much more stable shape and probably not perched at the train station with its MAC bags packed.

A source close to the athletic administration verified that – not that WKU isn’t interested – but the university is just not clamoring for a relocation as it was during the near disintegration of CUSA, which has rebounded nicely.

Nobody wants to talk on the record this early in the rumor mill.

But several media outlets are reporting once again that there could be a marriage between Western Kentucky and the Mid-American Conference. That in fact is not inaccurate. There could be.

WKU is a Conference USA holdover after its latest wave of departures and subsequent additions. Gone are former CUSA members Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, UAB, North Texas, Rice and Texas-San Antonio.

Their CUSA replacements are Sam Houston, Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State, with Kennesaw State next season and Delaware in 2025.

The MAC consists of – in a much tighter geographical circle – Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami of Ohio, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo and Western Michigan, plus incoming UMass.

It needs one more for a target of 14. Naturally, WKU’s name is going to come up. There will be others.

If an invitation is extended, WKU will listen with interest, but it’s not nearly as anxious for a new home as it was less than a handful of years ago.

Arguments can be made to accept an invite, if it comes. It’s just not as likely a move today as it was before.