The college football landscape has been shaken up once again, and this time, all eyes are on the West Coast. Just before the 2024 season kicked off, the Mountain West Conference faced a seismic shift as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and later Utah State announced they were jumping ship to join the newly reformed Pac-12. This move sparked an all-out arms race out west, with both conferences scrambling to fill their rosters and negotiate lucrative new media rights deals—the lifeblood of any modern athletic program.
Gonzaga, a basketball powerhouse without a football team, soon joined the Pac-12 as a full member. After months of rumors and dead ends, Texas State was officially added just before the July 1st deadline, giving the required two years' notice. The conference also welcomed several affiliate members, including Dallas Baptist for baseball, along with additions in less-publicized sports like wrestling and men's soccer. While the Pac-12 is still on the hunt for one more football member—ideally in time for the 2027 season—the core of the conference is now set for the foreseeable future. So, let's break down what this new-look Pac-12 brings to the table.
Let's start with the big one: football. In the world of college sports, football is the engine that drives the financial bus. The Pac-12, once celebrated as the "Conference of Champions," has seen its prestige take a hit in recent years, especially in the later stages of the College Football Playoff era. Now, it's looking to rebuild its reputation from the ground up.
On paper, this is a top-heavy football conference. Boise State stands out as the undisputed flagship program, and for good reason. While they haven't taken down any Power Four giants in a few seasons, the Broncos made history in 2024 as the first mid-major team to qualify for the expanded playoff format. With three consecutive conference championships under their belt, Boise State looks poised to be a perennial favorite in this new Pac-12. Beyond the Broncos, expect a mix of solid, competitive programs. San Diego State and Fresno State both boast strong histories over the past decade, and they'll be eager to prove they can hang with the best. It may not be a conference full of blue-bloods, but it's shaping up to be one full of grit, determination, and plenty of potential for upsets.