In Phoenix, the world of college sports is in a state of flux as many teams from the Pac-12 have decided to leave the conference over the past year. This seismic shift has been primarily driven by the search for better media deals and financial stability. While the Pac-12 has been losing members, it seems that the Group of Five leagues are starting to feel the trickle-down effects as well.
Recently, teams like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State have publicly announced they will join the Pac-12 for the 2026 season. The moves create a potential ripple effect as the Pac-12 is actively searching for at least two more teams to remain classified as a conference. By contrast, the Mountain West is losing some of its top programs and will soon need to look for other teams to replenish its roster.
The ongoing changes raise many questions. The Pac-12 is no longer an autonomous league, leading to uncertainty over its future status within the NCAA. The league was once able to secure more revenue from the College Football Playoff, but how these shifts will affect future earnings remains unclear. All of this has prompted some other Mountain West teams, including Utah State, to consider following suit and moving to the Pac-12.
As for the struggling Pac-12, the situation worsens with news that the American Athletic Conference (AAC) is not looking to add any more teams from the Pac-12. Meanwhile, schools like UNLV and Air Force are also reconsidering their positions in light of the latest shifts.
In other developments, the College Football Playoff has recently adjusted its format, allowing the five highest-ranked conference champions to automatically qualify, which means at least one Group of Five team can still make the playoffs. With each league facing its own financial and structural issues, numerous scenarios could unfold over the coming months. These developments keep fans on edge as they look to see where their favorite teams might land next in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
