In a significant move to preserve its historic legacy, the Pac-12 conference is set to expand with the addition of four schools from the Mountain West Conference: Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State. The new members will join the conference in 2026, revitalizing the league that saw its numbers dwindle after the exodus of ten teams to the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
The decision marks a pivotal moment in the storied 108-year history of the Pac-12, as it seeks to reestablish itself as a formidable force in college athletics. For Washington State and Oregon State, the two remaining Pac-12 schools after the departures, this expansion represents an opportunity to rebuild and secure the future of the conference.
The Pac-12’s decline began in 2023 when a wave of realignments rocked the college sports landscape. Traditional powerhouses like USC, UCLA, and Oregon left for the Big Ten, while schools such as Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State bolted to the Big 12. The moves left the Pac-12 with only two teams and a crisis of identity.
Commissioner Teresa Gould and her team faced the monumental task of saving a conference steeped in tradition but left on the brink of collapse. In the months following the departures, the Pac-12 explored various options, from partnerships with other leagues to complete dissolution. However, the administration always maintained that preserving the Pac-12 brand was a priority.
“Our 108-year tradition is something we are deeply proud of,” said Gould in a statement. “We believed from the start that there was a path forward to rebuild this conference. Today’s announcement solidifies that belief.”
With Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State officially joining the Pac-12 in 2026, the league will shift from its previous position as a power conference to one that may be seen as more regional but still competitive.
Boise State, in particular, brings a rich history of football success, having gained national prominence with their Fiesta Bowl win in 2007. The Broncos have been consistently competitive in the Mountain West and should be a solid addition to the Pac-12’s football landscape. San Diego State, coming off a successful basketball season and a national championship game appearance in 2023, also adds credibility to the conference in other sports.
Fresno State and Colorado State, while perhaps not as well-known nationally, are strong programs with the potential to compete at a higher level. Fresno State’s football team has historically been competitive in the Mountain West, and Colorado State’s facilities and investment in athletics make them a solid fit for the reimagined Pac-12.
Together, these schools will bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the conference, while also extending the Pac-12’s reach into key markets such as Boise, San Diego, Fresno, and Fort Collins.
For Washington State and Oregon State, the decision to add these four schools marks a new beginning after a turbulent period of uncertainty. Both schools had been left in limbo, unsure if the Pac-12 could survive the exodus of its flagship programs. The addition of these Mountain West schools provides much-needed stability and sets the stage for future growth.
The new conference makeup will also provide opportunities for all member schools to compete for championships in football, basketball, and other sports, without the overshadowing presence of traditional powerhouses like USC and Oregon. The more level playing field could result in greater parity across the league and create new rivalries that fans can rally behind.
From a financial perspective, the realignment provides a boost to the Pac-12’s television and media rights deals. While the new version of the conference may not command the same national attention as the former Pac-12, the inclusion of programs with strong fan bases in Boise and San Diego should make the league more attractive to potential broadcast partners.
While the reimagined Pac-12 is a far cry from its previous incarnation, it remains a conference with a rich history and a strong identity. The additions of Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State ensure that the league will continue to operate, albeit in a different form.
Commissioner Gould acknowledged that the road ahead would not be easy but expressed optimism about the future. “We understand that change is difficult, but we also believe in the resilience of this conference. With the addition of these four outstanding institutions, we are excited to begin a new chapter in the storied history of the Pac-12.”
For the incoming schools, the move to the Pac-12 represents an opportunity to compete at a higher level and gain greater national exposure. It’s a win for both the conference and the individual schools, as they seek to build new traditions and rivalries in the years to come.
The Pac-12’s decision to rebuild with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State offers a lifeline to the conference after a period of upheaval. While the landscape of college athletics continues to shift, the Pac-12 is taking bold steps to preserve its legacy and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.
The transition will not be without challenges, but for the member schools and their fans, the opportunity to be part of the reimagined Pac-12 brings hope for a bright future. As the league looks to 2026 and beyond, it’s clear that the Pac-12 is committed to thriving in this new era of college sports.
