Pac-12 Adds Four Schools, Reshaping Conference

The Pac-12 is revitalizing itself with the addition of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State, set to join in 2026. This shift brings the total member count to six, leaving the conference just two schools short of the eight required for FBS status. The move is a significant boost for Oregon State and Washington State, who are looking to regain competitive standing after a tumultuous year in which the conference lost most of its members. However, this realignment comes at a cost, with approximately $110 million in exit fees owed to the Mountain West for the departing programs. The implications of this change are mixed, as it leaves the Mountain West Conference weakened and raises questions about the future of other non-power-conference schools seeking to join the ranks of FBS. Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed optimism about this new chapter, emphasizing the conference's commitment to growth and excellence.