The Air Force is a serious contender to join the American Athletic Conference, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Air Force had been mentioned in conversations as a possible candidate for the AAC in recent months, before the Pac-12 acquired four schools from the Mountain West Conference last week.

The AAC released a statement Monday night saying the league is “a groundbreaking brand, firmly rooted in determination and hard work, with strong and prestigious member institutions. Over the past five months, we have prioritized seizing every opportunity that increases value for our member institutions and student-athletes.”

“Whether through private capital, naming rights, innovative partnerships or refocusing, we have proactively assessed every opportunity and are prepared to take collective action to lead the way in success and sustainability,” the statement said.

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