The Pac-12 Conference is set to expand by adding Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State in 2026, joining Oregon State and Washington State as part of a revamped Conference of Champions.
This expansion means that the Mountain West will lose four of its key institutions, particularly Boise State, which has been a notable player in college football. However, the Pac-12 still requires two additional schools to meet the NCAA’s mandate of at least eight members within two years.
The transition also carries significant financial implications, as the Pac-12 and the departing institutions may face around $110 million in exit fees and penalties owed to the Mountain West.
This resurgence of the Pac-12 marks a significant turnaround, especially considering the conference’s previous challenges last year when ten members left in search of better opportunities after the Pac-12 failed to secure a competitive media rights deal.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed optimism, highlighting the conference’s long-standing legacy in college athletics and its commitment to innovative growth. She welcomed the new institutions while emphasizing the dawn of a fresh era for the Pac-12.
Currently, the Pac-12 consists of just two schools, Oregon State and Washington State, which are utilizing a two-year grace period allowed by NCAA regulations. Gould, who was appointed earlier this year, is leading a streamlined league operation as the effort to rebuild commences.
The presidents of Oregon State and Washington State issued a joint statement, expressing enthusiasm for the incoming members and their contributions during this pivotal time in the conference and collegiate athletics.
Among the new additions, Boise State is recognized for its consistent performance in football outside the traditional power conferences over the last two decades. Boise State’s athletic director, Jeramiah Dickey, celebrated the announcement, highlighting the significance of this advancement.
Despite the excitement, the Pac-12’s current structure has changed dramatically from the Conference of Champions known for over a century, especially after the exits of major teams like Southern California, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington to the Big Ten.
The dissolution of the Pac-12 reflects three years of chaos amid conference realignment in college sports, leading to what many are calling the superconference era. The Big Ten now comprises 18 schools, while the ACC includes 17, featuring former Pac-12 schools Stanford and California. Meanwhile, the SEC and Big 12 each have 16 institutions.
The Pac-12 seems to be taking a unique approach, focusing on a streamlined conference rather than merging entirely with the Mountain West, which will retain schools such as Air Force, UNLV, Nevada, Utah State, New Mexico, Wyoming, San Jose State, and Hawaii.
In a statement following the news of the Pac-12’s expansion, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez announced that the board of directors would convene to discuss future steps, ensuring all members adhere to conference bylaws and policies regarding departures.