The Pac-12 announced the addition of Texas State University to its conference ranks, bumping its member list to nine and giving it the required eight football-playing schools to compete as an FBS conference in 2026.
The Bobcats will join former Mountain West members Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State, plus former Pac-12 members Oregon State and Washington State next season in time for football season. Gonzaga, one of the country’s biggest basketball brands, is also a member of the new Pac-12 but doesn’t have a football program.
The 2026 season will be the conference’s first after it lost 10 member schools to the ACC, Big 10, and Big 12 as a result of conference realignment in 2023.
What the new Pac-12 means for sports travel
The new conference reunites some former opponents, and adds others, to create a bunch of new rivalries and travel opportunities.
| Team | Location | Football Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State | Boise, ID | Albertsons Stadium | 36,363 |
| Colorado State | Fort Collins, CO | Canvas Stadium | 36,500 |
| Fresno State | Fresno, CA | Valley Children's Stadium | 40,727 |
| Gonzaga | Spokane, WA | N/A | N/A |
| Oregon State | Corvallis, OR | Reser Stadium | 35,548 |
| San Diego State | San Diego, CA | Snapdragon Stadium | 35,000 |
| Texas State | San Marcos, TX | UFCU Stadium | 30,000 |
| Utah State | Logan, UT | Maverik Stadium | 25,513 |
| Washington State | Pullman, WA | Martin Stadium | 35,117 |
Here are some notable matchups to watch out for.
Boise State vs Fresno State
A holdover rivalry from the Mountain West, battles for the coveted “Milk Can” trophy between these schools don’t often disappoint. Boise State is a nationally known brand that was the dominant power in the Mountain West, prior to the Broncos’ switch. Boasting one of the most unique home-field atmospheres in the country with its famous blue turf field and passionate fanbase, a trip to Boise should be at the top of every Pac-12 fan’s travel list.
Oregon State vs Washington State
This sort-of rivalry pits the two remaining Pac-12 programs turned-frenemies in the wake of the conference’s collapse in 2023. These de-facto conference leaders share a long history of matchups dating back to 1903.
Bottom line
While the Pac-12 can now play football again next season, its expansion likely isn’t finished. Each of the other major conferences (i.e. ACC, SEC, Big 10, Big 12) have at least 16 members. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pac-12 add additional schools next season, which would mean more football and more games for fans to attend.
But for the moment, fans at these schools will have one more season in their current conferences before making the jump in 2026.
