Pac-12 expansion: Key questions (and answers) after conference kicks off another round of realignment

The Pac-12 rose from near death on Thursday and welcomed four new schools: Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Colorado State. They join Oregon State and Washington State as member institutions starting with the 2026 season. 

The move locks down four of the top brands in the Mountain West as the league tries to reestablish itself as a national power. However, there are still a number of questions the remain as college football’s next great realignment sets off. Like the last one, it could have major implications all the way from FBS to Division III when the dust settles.

Here are the biggest questions that came out after the Pac-12 added four schools from the Mountain West on Thursday. 

Why these four schools?

The factors driving the Pac-12’s realignment mirror many of the discussions that have happened in the past. The primary focus for the league is revenue, so finding the biggest and most valuable brands took center stage. By almost every financial metric, Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State were top five. The final decisions ultimately came down to Oregon State and Washington State. 

“I was pleased with the configuration and actually the metrics,” San Diego State president Adela de la Torre said. “The metrics spoke to the decision-making process, and they were very objective in that sense. In my mind, it was the best four that were selected.” 

Perhaps the most surprising Mountain West brand left out was UNLV. The Rebels have invested heavily into football and now play at the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. UNLV coach Barry Odom helped lead the program to a Mountain West Championship Game appearance in 2023, and the Rebels are fresh off a 27-7 win against Houston. But separating in-state programs…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/pac-12-expansion-key-questions-and-answers-after-conference-kicks-off-another-round-of-realignment/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-09-12 20:57:24

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