Mid-Major Madness has one serious poll question and one really fun question this week.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We’ll start with the serious one.
Conference realignment took effect earlier this month. Five changes became official on July 1: Delaware and Missouri State heading to Conference USA, UMass joining the MAC, Seattle U moving to WCC, New Haven elevating to Division I and entering the NEC.
Then on July 8, Grand Canyon’s move to the Mountain West took immediate effect. The Lopes were going to make the shift from the WAC by the start of the 2026-27 academic year, but instead it will be for the 2025-26 year.
So, with that, which of the six mid-major teams switching conferences will have the best first season in its new league?
Now onto the fun poll question.
There are some iconic mascot across the mid-major landscape. Which one is the best?
We have the Saint Joseph’s Hawk, Monte – Montana’s grizzly bear, Big Red at Western Kentucky and Keggy the Keg at Dartmouth.
A little introduction to each of them.
The Hawk is mostly well known for the incessant flapping of his wings. Estimates indicate he flaps his wings 3,500 times a game.
Then there’s Monte, the Montana Grizzly. Yes, several colleges have bears as their mascots, but Monte is different. Look at him here. He even stands on his head.
The other two mascots are incredibly unique.
Western Kentucky has Big Red. He’s a giant red blob that represents being a Hilltopper.
How can you not love that?
And finally, there’s Keggy the Keg at Dartmouth. Yes, an Ivy League school’s mascot is a keg! I mean, come on now!
Time to hear from you about these questions. We at MMM look forward to seeing the results.
