The Pac-12 has been on life support for over a year now. Some eyes were raised when USC and UCLA agreed to join the Big 10 in 2021, but ever since Colorado announced it would return to the Big 12, everyone has been trying to jump off the sinking ship.
Since then, 10 of the 12 Pac-12 schools have officially left with just Washington State and Oregon State to pick up the pieces. It felt like it was only a matter of time until they moved to the Mountain West and the conference was officially dead.
However, reports from Friday, Sept. 13, sowed some hope for Pac-12 fans. Out of nowhere, the conference rose from the grave and announced the addition of four new schools. Boise State, Colorado State, San Deigo State, and Fresno State are all set to join the conference starting in 2026.
And they aren’t done yet. To be considered an FBS conference, there must be at least eight member schools. So it’s safe to assume the Pac-12 will be looking for at least two more programs. Here are some potential schools that could be a fit for the new-look Pac-12.
Most likely options
UTSA
Initial reports suggested that the Pac-12 would look at AAC schools west of the Mississippi River. This is because of travel arrangements and keeping the conference’s geographical footprint somewhat intact. University of Texas at San Antonio might be the best fit since it’s the western-most team in the American Athletic Conference. Not only do they have a consistently good football program, but they have also made a bowl game in the past four seasons. This will bring the conference one of the best up-and-comers in Division I.
Rice
Similar to UTSA, Rice is an AAC school west of the Mississippi. The football team has been mediocre in recent years, going 5-8 and 6-7, respectively, but they’ve still been able to make bowl appearances. What makes Rice so appealing is that they’re located in Houston, the sixth-largest TV market in the U.S. If the conference wants to land a big TV deal, then they’re going to have to show there’s an interest. Getting the Houston market could help generate that interest.
Air Force
Unlike UTSA and Rice, Air Force isn’t in the AAC; it would mean the Pac-12 poaching another team from the Mountain West. Air Force could fit the reborn conference very well. First, they’re in Colorado, putting them close to the other member schools. There is also the rivalry with Colorado State. Rivalries are one of the most sacred parts of college football; however, with realignment, it feels like top schools and conferences aren’t valuing them as much as fans. The Pac-12 might build a lot of good will with fans if they add more many rivalry games under its banner.
UNLV
It might’ve been a surprise that the University of Nevada, Las Vegas wasn’t one of the schools that announced a move to the Pac-12. But just because UNLV wasn’t in the initial expansion doesn’t mean they won’t join soon. They have a pretty decent football program, going 9-3 in 2023 and making a bowl game. They’ve gotten off to a hot start in 2024, too. They’re also in Las Vegas, which is one of the fastest-growing sports markets in the U.S.
Long shots
California, Stanford
The two Pac-12 schools that were almost left in the dust might find themselves crawling back. After a controversial move to the Atlantic Coast Conference, Cal and Stanford have already been linked to returning to the Pac. The future of the ACC is up in the air. Marquee schools like Clemson and Florida State are involved in lawsuits, trying and get out of the conference. And schools like Duke, North Carolina, and Miami all have good enough programs to be swooped up by another conference.
The ACC could be facing a similar future to the Pac-12. It might cause Cal and Stanford to abandon their venture on the Atlantic coast and return to the Pacific. Due to all the legal proceedings going on, it feels like something that could happen in many years rather than in the next couple of seasons.
Memphis
Memphis has been another school pointed to as a potential Pac addition. They have a consistent football program, making a bowl in 10 straight seasons. But the issue with Memphis is travel. Currently, the closest school to them is Colorado State, which is over 1,100 miles away, creating a major disadvantage. There could be better options for Memphis.
Idaho
If the Pac-12 looks to the FCS for new members, Idaho could be one. They could fit perfectly in the reimagined Pac footprint. They would be in the same state as Boise State, which might reignite the rivalry. They’re also only eight miles from Washington State, another rivalry the Pac-12 could have. The main issue is whether or not Idaho can make the jump to the FBS. With such a talent difference between the two subdivisions, it could be unrealistic for Idaho to compete against teams already established in the FBS.
Hawaii
Every sports gambler’s favorite college football team — the Rainbow Warriors — could be a potential target for the Pac-12. Hawaii would allow the Pac to return to their unique time slot; many fans fondly remember Pac-12 After Dark. Reinventing After Dark could generate additional money with the right TV contract. Plus, with the time difference between the continental U.S. and Hawaii, they’d be the perfect team to exhibit night games. But that also means there would be a lot of travel involved, increasing costs.
These are just a few teams that come to mind when thinking about good fits for the new Pac-12. However, if conference realignment has taught us anything, it’s that anything is possible. Could the Pac-12 merge with the Mountain West? Could they add non-football members like Gonzaga and St.Mary’s? It’s hard to say, but the one thing we do know is that the Pac-12 isn’t dead yet.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Belly Up Sports. Follow him on Twitter/X for more stories and Belly Up Sports for your go-to sports coverage. Featured image credit: Kirby Lee
