The Pac-12 conference is on the verge of completing its rebuild as it plans to add Texas State as a member in all sports starting from the 2026–27 season. This confirms speculation about the expansion of the conference, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, losing ten members to other major conferences like the Big Ten and Big 12 in 2024.
With the anticipated inclusion of Texas State, the Pac-12 will consist of nine members, including eight schools that participate in football. This is crucial for the conference to maintain its status in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Current confirmed members joining the Pac-12 in 2026 are Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Gonzaga, which does not have a football program, alongside the current members Oregon State and Washington State.
An official announcement regarding Texas State’s membership is expected soon, particularly before July 1, as the school’s exit fee from the Sun Belt Conference is set to increase. Though confirmation requires a formal invitation from the Pac-12 and approval from Texas State’s board of regents, it is unclear if this will happen before the end of June.
Looking ahead, the deadline for the Pac-12 to solidify its eighth football member is July 1, 2026. Completing this expansion a year early allows the conference to strategize effectively for its future. The recent media rights agreement with CBS Sports, covering games through the 2030–31 season and involving multiple networks, also bolsters the Pac-12’s visibility and financial prospects as it embarks on this new chapter.
While the immediate focus is on confirming Texas State, the Pac-12 could potentially seek further expansions. Given that other major conferences currently boast at least 16 members, there is a clear opportunity for the Pac-12 to grow and strengthen its competitive standing. This could lead to a promising future for the conference and its members as it aims to reclaim a spot among the nation’s elite in college athletics.