The Pac-12 Conference is reportedly in talks to poach four Mountain West schools – Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State – in an effort to strengthen and rebuild the league. This move comes after ten of the 12 legacy Pac-12 schools departed in 2024, leaving Oregon State and Washington State without a home. If the four Mountain West schools join, the Pac-12 will only need two more programs to reach the minimum eight schools required for FBS conference status.
While the expansion is seen as a positive step towards re-establishing the Pac-12 as a power conference, there are still challenges ahead. The league will need to find two more schools to complete the lineup, potentially including Stanford and California. Additionally, securing a lucrative television partner will be crucial for financial stability, as was a key issue in the downfall of the legacy Pac-12.
The Mountain West and Pac-12 recently opted not to extend a scheduling partnership, indicating a shift in direction. If the expansion plans go through, the addition of the four Mountain West schools will significantly bolster the Pac-12’s position and set them up for a stronger future. The league aims to maintain its “autonomy five” status and move forward with a revamped lineup that can compete at a high level.
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