The Pac-12 Conference isn’t dead yet. The conference announced Thursday it was adding San Diego State, Boise State, Fresno State and Colorado State from the Mountain West as it plans to rebuild membership ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
By bringing in the four schools, the conference with existing members Washington State and Oregon State will expand the league to at least six teams in 2026. It still need at least two more to meet the minimum of eight schools required for league membership under NCAA rules for the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Pac-12 currently is being allowed to operate as a two-team league under a two-year grace period until July 2026 – a window that allowed the league time to figure out what to do next after 10 other members recently left for more money, exposure and stability in other leagues.
“For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics,” Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould said in a statement. “We will continue to pursue bold cutting-edge opportunities for growth and progress, to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes. … An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today.”
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (2) breaks a tackle during the second half against Oregon at Autzen Stadium.
Who else will the Pac-12 add to conference?
Thursday’s announcement answers part of that question, with speculation now set to intensify about who the 108-year-old league will add next.
It could be other attractive Mountain West teams, including UNLV, San Jose State or Air Force.
Or it could be some other combination of schools, possibly even some that are turned loose in another future round of conference realignment.
Whatever happens, the 25-year-old Mountain West faces an uncertain future after its top TV…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-adding-four-mountain-131936711.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-09-12 13:19:36
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