The college sports landscape is buzzing with major developments this week. At the heart of the conversation is the Pac-12's ongoing expansion dilemma. As the conference prepares for its 2026 relaunch, finding another football-playing school has become a pressing priority. The current schedule includes an unusual "flex week" that would require teams to play the same opponent twice—a clear sign that the conference needs additional members to fill out a balanced slate. While options on the table aren't ideal, the search continues.
In non-conference scheduling news, the Nevada-Sainte Mary's basketball series is gaining traction. The two programs are set to meet in Tahoe, a move that reflects the growing trend of using NET rankings and tournament resumes to craft compelling matchups. This mirrors Saint Mary's recent games against Boise State in eastern Idaho—a strategic effort to boost strength of schedule.
Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference is making headlines off the court. The league's top five transfer portal pickups for 2026 have been ranked by On3, highlighting the influx of talent heading into the new season. Additionally, the MW+ streaming service is on the horizon, promising more games and greater access for fans. Sign-ups are open now ahead of the official launch.
On the national stage, the Big 12 and ACC have thrown their support behind a 24-team College Football Playoff format, as confirmed by commissioners Brett Yormark and Jim Phillips. This proposal could reshape the postseason landscape, though it remains to be seen how other conferences will respond.
For fans keeping an eye on the CBS Sports 138 rankings, the post-spring update is now live—a great tool for tracking which teams are trending up. And in a lighter moment, Barstool's "Big Cat" is reportedly bringing a piece of Boise State's iconic blue turf to the Chicago office, blending college football culture with media personality.
Finally, don't miss the inspiring story of Texas State's president, an adoptee raised by an orphan who ran away from home in the ninth grade—a powerful narrative that underscores the human element of college sports. Stay tuned for Friday's "Friday Five," where we'll break down the top five MWC football conference games.