Reviving the Pac-12: A Conference in Transition
The Pac-12 Conference, once on the brink of collapse, is charting a new path forward as it rebuilds for the 2025 season and beyond. After a tumultuous period of realignment that saw many of its powerhouse programs depart for other conferences, the Pac-12 has been left with just Oregon State and Washington State as its core members. However, recent developments signal a determined effort to restore the conference's standing in college football, with strategic additions and a focus on regaining competitive relevance.
According to a detailed report from ESPN, the Pac-12 is 'finally building toward a future' despite facing one more season in limbo. This transitional period has been marked by aggressive recruitment of new member schools, particularly from the Mountain West Conference, to bolster its roster and meet the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) requirements. The conference's leadership is working tirelessly to ensure that the Pac-12 name retains its historical significance while adapting to the modern landscape of college athletics.
Key Additions and Expansion Moves
A pivotal moment in the Pac-12's revival came on June 30, 2025, when Texas State announced its move to the conference, as reported by Forbes. This addition marked the ninth full-time member and the eighth football member, securing the minimum required for FBS status. Texas State's timely decision, made just before a potential doubling of its exit fee from the Sun Belt Conference, underscores the urgency and strategic planning behind the Pac-12's expansion efforts.
Further bolstering the conference, five schools from the Mountain West—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—have also committed to joining Oregon State and Washington State. This influx of programs, set to take effect for the 2026 season, represents a significant step toward rebuilding a competitive league. However, these moves come at a substantial cost, with the departing Mountain West schools collectively scheduled to pay $155 million in exit fees, highlighting the high stakes of conference realignment.
The Pac-12 has also explored additional targets for expansion, with discussions around schools like UNLV and even institutions outside the traditional western footprint. While Stanford and Cal have opted against returning to the fold, the conference remains open to innovative partnerships and potential mergers to strengthen its position in the evolving college sports hierarchy.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these promising developments, the Pac-12 faces significant challenges as it navigates its rebirth. One major hurdle is the loss of its status as a 'power conference,' a designation stripped by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors in April 2024, according to Sports Illustrated. This downgrade impacts the conference's influence in legislative matters and its access to automatic bids in high-profile competitions like the College Football Playoff, though efforts are underway to potentially recover this standing during a grace period.
Sentiment on social media platforms like X reflects mixed opinions about the Pac-12's direction. Some users express skepticism about the quality of the new lineup compared to the current Mountain West, with comments suggesting that a full merger might have been a better option than creating two 'mediocre conferences.' Others lament the historical abandonment of core members by departing schools and larger conferences like the Big Ten, pointing to a sense of betrayal felt by fans of Oregon State and Washington State.
Looking ahead, the Pac-12's leadership remains optimistic about crafting a sustainable future. The focus is not only on football but also on enhancing other sports programs and maintaining academic alignments among member institutions. As the conference continues to solidify its membership and identity, the coming seasons will be critical in determining whether this 'startup' version of the Pac-12 can reclaim its place among college athletics' elite.