The Pac-12 conference is considering expansion by poaching four Mountain West schools – Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State. The move aims to strengthen the Pac-12 and secure its future as a power-level conference. These four schools are seen as valuable additions that could help the Pac-12 reach the minimum eight schools required to be an FBS conference. The expansion plan also involves finding two more schools to complete the league and securing a lucrative television partner.
The decision comes after ten of the twelve existing Pac-12 schools left the conference in 2024, leaving Oregon State and Washington State without a long-term home. Oregon State and Washington State are currently competing as de facto FBS Independents but have a substantial financial reserve that could be used to buy out the Mountain West schools. The Pac-12 aims to rebuild its status and maintain its “autonomy five” classification.
The potential expansion could provide stability for the Pac-12 and set the stage for a new era of competitive college football. The league’s goal is to attract quality schools and secure beneficial partnerships to ensure its success. The decision to expand comes after negotiations to extend a scheduling partnership with the Mountain West fell through, prompting the Pac-12 to pursue new options for the future.
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