New York ? The Big East introduced Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and Central Florida as its new members, effective 2013.

Commissioner John Marinatto says the Big East is the “first truly national college football conference.”

The Big East, depleted by the planned departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, is trying to rebuild as a 12-team football conference with a western division.

Boise State President Bob Kustra said his school was “proud to be aboard.”

Boise State and San Diego State, which currently play in the Mountain West Conference, will join the Big East only for football. Houston, SMU and UCF will be leaving Conference USA and joining the Big East in all sports.