Pac-12 Teams: What Will The Conference Look Like In 2026?

The Pac-12 Conference is undergoing a massive transformation, and by 2026, it will look drastically different. With several high-profile teams departing for other conferences, the future of the Pac-12 is a hot topic among college sports fans. What teams will remain? What new teams might join? How will this realignment impact the competitive landscape? Let's dive into the potential scenarios and what you can expect from the Pac-12 in 2026.

The Great Pac-12 Exodus: Who's Leaving?

Before we can look ahead, we need to understand who's heading out the door. In the ever-evolving world of college sports, conference realignment has become the norm. Several prominent Pac-12 teams have announced their departure, shaking the foundation of the conference and leading to widespread speculation about its future.

The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are set to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024. This move is primarily driven by financial incentives, as the Big Ten offers significantly larger media rights deals. The Trojans and Bruins bring substantial athletic prowess and media market value, making them highly attractive additions to the Big Ten. Their departure marks a significant loss for the Pac-12, impacting its overall prestige and competitive balance.

The University of Oregon and the University of Washington have also decided to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. These two universities are powerhouses in football, and their departure further weakens the Pac-12's athletic profile. Oregon, known for its innovative and high-powered offense, has been a consistent contender for the College Football Playoff. Washington, with its strong football tradition and loyal fanbase, adds further value to the Big Ten. The move is a strategic one, promising increased revenue and greater national exposure.

The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and the University of Utah are all set to join the Big 12 Conference. This move reflects the growing strength and stability of the Big 12, which has successfully positioned itself as a viable alternative for Pac-12 schools seeking a more secure future. The Arizona schools bring a significant basketball presence, while Utah adds a strong football program to the Big 12's portfolio. Their departure represents a major blow to the Pac-12's geographic footprint and competitive depth.

Finally, the University of Colorado has already rejoined the Big 12 Conference. Colorado's return to the Big 12 is a homecoming of sorts, as the university was a member of the conference before joining the Pac-12 in 2011. The move is driven by a combination of factors, including financial considerations and a desire for greater stability. Colorado's departure further weakens the Pac-12, leaving the conference with a significantly diminished roster of teams.

These departures leave the Pac-12 with a mere four teams: Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, and California. The conference's future hinges on its ability to attract new members and rebuild its competitive strength. Without significant changes, the Pac-12 risks becoming a shadow of its former self, struggling to maintain relevance in the ever-competitive landscape of college sports. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the Pac-12 can survive and thrive, or whether it will fade into obscurity.

Who Stays? The Remaining Pac-12 Teams

With so many teams leaving, the spotlight turns to those sticking around. As of now, only a handful of teams remain committed to the Pac-12. These universities face an uncertain future, but they also have the opportunity to shape the conference's next chapter. What are their strengths, and what challenges do they face?

• Oregon State University: Oregon State has a loyal fanbase and a strong athletic tradition, particularly in baseball and football. However, they lack the national profile and media market of the departing schools. Oregon State's challenge will be to maintain its competitive edge while navigating the conference's uncertain future. They need to find ways to generate revenue and attract top talent, despite the diminished resources and exposure.
• Washington State University: Similar to Oregon State, Washington State is a proud institution with a dedicated fanbase. Their football program has seen moments of brilliance, but they face similar challenges in terms of resources and national visibility. Washington State's ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial to their survival. They must leverage their strengths, such as their passionate fanbase and strong alumni network, to overcome the obstacles ahead.
• Stanford University: Stanford is an academic powerhouse with a strong athletic program across various sports. Their challenge is balancing their academic mission with the demands of big-time college athletics. Stanford's location in the Bay Area gives them access to a valuable media market, but they need to capitalize on this advantage to attract new fans and generate revenue. The university's commitment to both academics and athletics will be key to their long-term success.
• University of California, Berkeley: Cal is another prestigious academic institution with a rich athletic history. However, they have struggled to maintain consistent success in football and basketball. Cal's location in the Bay Area offers significant opportunities, but they need to improve their athletic performance to attract more attention and resources. The university's ability to balance its academic and athletic priorities will be crucial to its future in the Pac-12.

These four remaining teams face a daunting task. They must work together to rebuild the conference and attract new members. Their success will depend on their ability to innovate, adapt, and leverage their unique strengths. The future of the Pac-12 rests on their shoulders.

Potential New Additions: Who Might Join the Pac-12?

To survive, the Pac-12 needs to attract new members. Which schools might be interested in joining, and what would they bring to the conference? Several universities have been mentioned as potential candidates, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

• San Diego State University: San Diego State is a rising force in college athletics, particularly in basketball and football. Their location in Southern California would help the Pac-12 maintain a presence in this important market. San Diego State's growing athletic program and strong local support make them an attractive candidate for Pac-12 membership. Their addition would bring a new level of competitiveness and excitement to the conference.
• Boise State University: Boise State has a strong football tradition and a national brand. Their blue turf is iconic, and their program has consistently punched above its weight. Boise State's success on the football field would be a valuable addition to the Pac-12. Their inclusion would bring a unique flavor and a proven track record of success to the conference.
• UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas): UNLV is located in a growing media market and has a strong basketball program. Their addition would give the Pac-12 a presence in Las Vegas, a city known for its entertainment and sporting events. UNLV's growing athletic program and strategic location make them an intriguing candidate for Pac-12 membership. Their inclusion would bring new opportunities and a fresh perspective to the conference.
• SMU (Southern Methodist University): Located in Dallas, Texas, SMU could expand the Pac-12's reach into new territory. With strong alumni support and a growing athletic program, SMU presents an interesting option for the conference as it looks to rebuild and broaden its appeal.

These are just a few of the potential candidates. The Pac-12's ability to attract new members will depend on its ability to offer a compelling value proposition. This includes financial incentives, national exposure, and a competitive athletic environment. The decisions made in the coming months will determine the future of the conference.

The Future Landscape: What to Expect in 2026

So, what will the Pac-12 look like in 2026? It's tough to say for sure, but we can make some educated guesses. The conference will likely be smaller and less prestigious than it once was. The departure of so many high-profile teams will undoubtedly impact its national profile and media revenue. However, the Pac-12 could still be a viable conference if it can successfully attract new members and rebuild its competitive strength.

The key to the Pac-12's survival will be its ability to adapt and innovate. The conference needs to find new ways to generate revenue, attract fans, and create a compelling athletic environment. This may involve exploring new media partnerships, investing in emerging sports, and focusing on regional rivalries. The Pac-12 must embrace change and be willing to experiment with new ideas.

In 2026, expect a conference that looks very different from the Pac-12 of the past. The traditional powerhouses will be gone, replaced by a mix of established programs and rising stars. The conference's competitive landscape will be more balanced, with more opportunities for teams to compete for championships. While the Pac-12 may not be the dominant force it once was, it could still be a relevant and exciting conference.

The future of the Pac-12 is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conference is at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the Pac-12 can survive and thrive, or whether it will fade into obscurity. College sports fans will be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds.

Conclusion

The Pac-12 Conference in 2026 will be a vastly different entity than what college sports enthusiasts have known for decades. With the departure of cornerstone teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, the conference faces an uphill battle to maintain relevance and competitive viability. The remaining teams – Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, and California – hold the keys to the Pac-12's future. Their ability to innovate, attract new members, and create compelling athletic programs will be crucial.

Potential additions like San Diego State, Boise State, and UNLV could inject new life into the conference, bringing fresh rivalries and expanding its geographic footprint. However, the Pac-12 must offer a compelling value proposition to these schools, including financial incentives and national exposure.

Looking ahead, expect a smaller, more balanced conference where opportunities abound for rising stars. The Pac-12's success hinges on its capacity to adapt, embrace change, and forge new partnerships. While it may never reclaim its former glory, the Pac-12 can still carve out a niche as a competitive and exciting conference in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports. The next few years will be critical in determining the Pac-12's ultimate fate, and the college sports world will be watching with bated breath.