Pac-12 Expansion: New Targets Could Shape the Future of College Sports
The Pac-12 Conference is actively exploring options for its expansion, and recent reports suggest that schools like UNLV, UTSA, Memphis, and Tulane are at the top of its list. The conference, which has already pulled Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State from the Mountain West, is now setting its sights on teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC). This comes as part of the Pac-12's efforts to remain relevant and competitive after losing major programs like USC and UCLA to the Big Ten.
According to reports from The Athletic, Memphis and Tulane have emerged as the primary targets, with additional schools such as UTSA, North Texas, South Florida, and Texas State also under consideration. The expansion is crucial for the Pac-12, which needs to add new members to maintain its status as a recognized NCAA conference. The deadline for reaching the required eight-member minimum is July 1, 2026. With the clock ticking, the Pac-12 has been aggressive, leaving no stone unturned.
Also Read:One interesting possibility is that the Pac-12 may consider adding basketball-only schools like Gonzaga, even though the primary focus of this expansion is on football. Gonzaga, which has a strong basketball program, could boost the conference’s competitiveness in basketball and give it more national recognition. Oregon State Athletic Director Scott Barnes mentioned that while football is a key focus now, the possibility of adding schools like Gonzaga for basketball remains on the table.
This expansion effort reflects the current landscape of college sports, where media rights and revenue generation play a huge role in conference realignments. Adding schools with strong football or basketball programs could lead to lucrative media deals, which would be critical for the Pac-12's survival and future success.
The move to expand by adding schools from different regions also raises some questions about the logistics of travel and the cost implications for both the Pac-12 and the schools involved. However, the potential benefits of joining a more prominent conference, especially one with national visibility and better competition, could outweigh these challenges.
For schools like Memphis, moving to the Pac-12 would be a major step up from the AAC. The Memphis football team is currently ranked No. 26 in the AP Poll, and joining the Pac-12 would place them in a conference where they'd compete with higher-ranked programs like Boise State and Washington State. For Memphis, it's an opportunity to rejoin a league with more established brands and better competition, something it has been lacking since many of its rivals moved to more prominent conferences.
In the end, this wave of expansion highlights the fast-evolving nature of college sports. As conferences realign, the focus remains on positioning for future success in a world where television contracts and national exposure drive much of the decision-making. If the Pac-12 can successfully pull off this expansion, it may not only secure its future but also become a more competitive force across multiple sports.
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