The Pac-12 expansion news has been moving fast, and it has college football fans watching every new clue. After the league was nearly wiped out, the Pac-12 is building again with new members set for the 2026 season.
But the biggest question is still simple: who could join next?
This blog breaks down the confirmed additions, the full 2026 football lineup, and why these schools were picked.
We will also dig into Pac-12 expansion rumors, including the most talked-about targets and what could stop a move from happening.
By the end, it’ll be clear what expansion paths look realistic, what feels like a long shot, and what to keep an eye on next.
Confirmed Pac-12 Expansion News
The Pac-12 has officially locked in its next chapter, and these moves are no longer rumors. Every school listed below has accepted an invitation and is set to compete in the rebuilt conference starting in the 2026 season.
This gives the Pac-12 the stability it needed to survive and move forward.
Officially Added Football Members
These eight schools form the new Pac-12 football lineup for 2026:
| School | Previous Conference | Start Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boise State | Mountain West | 2026 |
| Colorado State | Mountain West | 2026 |
| Fresno State | Mountain West | 2026 |
| San Diego State | Mountain West | 2026 |
| Utah State | Mountain West | 2026 |
| Texas State | Sun Belt | 2026 |
| Oregon State | Pac-12 | Continuing |
| Washington State | Pac-12 | Continuing |
Why This Matters
- All additions were officially announced, not leaked or rumored
- Texas State became the eighth football member, which meets the NCAA minimum for an FBS conference
- The Pac-12 now qualifies for bowl games and College Football Playoff access
Texas State also gives the conference a new footprint in Texas, which helps with recruiting, media reach, and long-term growth.
Non-Football Addition: Gonzaga
- Sport Focus: Basketball
- Join Year: 2026
Gonzaga brings serious value even without football. The program is one of the most respected names in college basketball and instantly raises the Pac-12’s profile on the court.
Why Gonzaga matters
- Strengthens the conference’s basketball reputation
- Attracts national TV interest during March Madness
- Helps the Pac-12 look stronger to media partners and sponsors
Together, these additions show the Pac-12 is not rushing. Each move is planned, official, and focused on keeping the conference stable for the future.
Why These Schools Were Chosen
The Pac-12 did not add schools at random. Every choice follows a clear plan built around geography, on-field strength, and financial reality. This approach focuses on survival first, then steady growth.
1. Geographic Logic
The rebuilt Pac-12 keeps a strong Western footprint, which helps control travel costs and preserves regional rivalries. Most members are located in the Mountain West and West Coast, making scheduling more realistic.
Texas State stands out in this group. Adding a Texas school gives the Pac-12 access to one of the deepest recruiting areas in the country and opens doors to a massive media market.
That single move expands the conference’s reach without stretching it too far.
2. Competitive Value
On the field, these programs bring real credibility.
- Boise State adds instant football respect, with years of national success and postseason appearances
- San Diego State offers consistency in both football and basketball, along with strong fan support
- Washington State and Oregon State serve as continuity anchors, keeping the Pac-12 identity alive after the collapse
These schools may not be traditional power brands, but they win, develop talent, and stay competitive.
3. Media & Financial Reality
The Pac-12 now operates in a different world. A CBS and CW media deal provides visibility, but revenue is far tighter than what the Big Ten or SEC receives.
The conference is no longer an autonomous “Power” league, which limits spending and leverage.
The Pac-12’s strategy involves choosing stable programs that align with the budget, safeguard the brand, and allow for sustainable growth, instead of pursuing big names or rushing into harmful realignment.
Pac 12 Expansion Rumors: Who Could Be Next?
This is where Pac-12 expansion rumors really heat up. Fans on Reddit, YouTube, and social media keep asking the same question: Is the Pac-12 done expanding, or is another move coming?
While nothing is official, a few schools keep coming up in serious talks, while others feel more like long shots.
Realistic Expansion Targets
These schools make the most sense if the Pac-12 decides to grow beyond eight football members.
1. UNLV
-
Conference home: Mountain West
Las Vegas is a fast-growing media market with strong recruiting potential. The city already hosts major Pac-12 events, which makes the fit feel natural.
What’s holding it back: High Mountain West exit fees and questions about consistent football success.
2. Air Force
-
Conference home: Mountain West
Strong national brand, disciplined football program, and steady performance over time. The Air Force also adds credibility with fans and TV partners.
What’s holding it back: Unique service academy scheduling needs and limited flexibility compared to traditional programs.
3. UTSA
-
Conference home: American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Located in Texas, UTSA brings recruiting access and a growing football brand with recent success.
What’s holding it back: AAC exit costs and uncertainty over whether the media value justifies the move.
4. Louisiana Tech
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Conference home: Conference USA
Solid football history, strong baseball program, and more affordable exit options than other leagues.
What’s holding it back: Geographic distance from most Pac-12 schools and limited national TV pull.
Long-Shot or Unlikely Candidates
These schools are mentioned often, but major obstacles make a move unlikely.
- Sacramento State: Has ambitions to move up, but FBS approval hurdles and lack of a conference invite remain major roadblocks.
- UTEP: Now committed to the Mountain West, which removes it from serious Pac-12 talks for the near future.
- SMU: Once a strong candidate during the Pac-12 collapse, but that window has closed after joining another conference.
For now, the rumors will continue, but money, timing, and fit will decide whether the Pac-12 makes another move, or stays patient.
Why Expansion Is Slower Than Fans Expect
Even with the Pac-12 back on its feet, expansion is not moving as fast as many fans hoped. That delay is not due to a lack of interest, but because realignment has become far more complicated and expensive.
One major roadblock is the Mountain West poaching penalties. Schools leaving the conference face large exit fees, which makes quick moves risky. Those costs alone can stop otherwise interested programs from making the jump.
At the same time, the AAC and Mountain West are playing defense.
Both leagues have taken steps to protect their best teams, knowing the Pac-12 is watching closely. That means fewer easy targets and more resistance in negotiations.
Expansion is also limited to schools that actually help the league. New members must increase media value and also afford higher travel, staffing, and facility costs.
Good realignment strengthens a conference. Bad realignment only adds numbers. For now, the Pac-12 is choosing patience over panic.
What This Means for the College Football Playoff
The rebuilt Pac-12 is not just filling a schedule; it is protecting a path to the postseason.
With eight football members, the league remains at the FBS level, maintaining eligibility for bowl games and College Football Playoff opportunities.
Today, stability matters as much as reputation, and the Pac-12 is building for access, not labels.
| Topic | What it Means for the Pac-12 |
|---|---|
| Automatic access potential | A clear path exists for the conference champion to be considered for a CFP spot in the modern format. |
| Bowl eligibility | Teams remain eligible for bowl tie-ins and postseason play, supporting exposure and revenue. |
| Why FBS status matters | Being a recognized FBS league protects scheduling, postseason routes, and long-term relevance more than “Power” branding. |
In short, the Pac-12’s biggest win is staying in the FBS club, because access and stability now matter more than old conference status.
At the End
The Pac-12 rebuild shows that the league is not chasing headlines just to look busy. Each addition has a clear purpose: keep the conference stable, protect FBS status, and stay in the postseason picture.
The next step will likely be slower, because money, exit fees, and media value matter more than fan wish lists. Some targets sound exciting, but only a few truly fit the Pac-12 plan and budget.
For now, the conference has a workable lineup and a real path forward, even if it looks different from the old days.
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