Western Illinois quarterback Nick Davenport warms up before an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Sports

Youngstown State rival leaving Missouri Valley Football Conference

by: Josh Frketic

Posted: May 12, 2023 / 03:25 PM EDT

Updated: May 12, 2023 / 03:25 PM EDT

Western Illinois quarterback Nick Davenport warms up before an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

by: Josh Frketic

Posted: May 12, 2023 / 03:25 PM EDT

Updated: May 12, 2023 / 03:25 PM EDT

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Western Illinois has announced that they are leaving the Missouri Valley Football Conference effective after the 2023 season.

The Leathernecks will join the Ohio Valley Conference for all sports.

Western Illinois will play its 2023 MVFC schedule as is and is not scheduled to play Youngstown State in conference play.

This past year, the Penguins topped the Leathernecks in Malcomb 27-26 on a last-second Colt McFadden field goal.

YSU is 21-15 all-time against Western Illinois.

WIU will leave the Summit League for all other sports this fall and is slated to join the OVC on July 1st.