San Francisco – The shakeup in college sports continues as the Pac-12 conference faces a challenging future. Over the past year, many teams have opted to leave, primarily driven by financial incentives and media deals. Now, with only two teams, Washington State and Oregon State, left in the Pac-12, the remaining programs are assessing their options.
In a notable development, five teams including Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State are set to join the Pac-12 starting in the 2026 season. Gonzaga will also join the Pac-12 for all sports, except football. This shift is likely to cause a ripple effect through the Group of Five (G5) leagues, impacting their competitive landscape.
The Pac-12 currently needs at least one more member to maintain its status as a conference, prompting discussions of potential additions. Meanwhile, the Mountain West, which is losing some of its top teams, is on the lookout for new members to replenish its ranks.
As reported, Pac-12 officials believe bundling up media deals could eventually offer a better financial return than the current agreements in the Mountain West. The Pac-12 used to enjoy autonomous status, allowing it more influence in NCAA matters and access to larger funds from the College Football Playoff (CFP). However, as it stands now, it’s uncertain whether they can regain that status.
Teams like Memphis, Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA, previously considered for joining the Pac-12, have reaffirmed their commitment to the AAC, further complicating the Pac-12’s expansion strategies. Some speculate that the remaining Mountain West teams, including UNLV, may also stay put, despite once being considered for moves to the Pac-12.
The future of the Pac-12 hinges on its ability to attract new schools, while legal discussions surrounding the Mountain West could potentially lead to significant financial penalties if teams decide to jump ship. This ever-shifting landscape in college athletics is raising eyebrows, especially as academic institutions and fans alike wonder what will happen next.
With the CFP format set to change, allowing for more teams from various conferences to qualify, all eyes will be on how this new dynamic unfolds. Only time will tell how these conference moves will shape the future of college football.
