The Pac-12 is currently engaged in discussions with Gonzaga, a prominent basketball powerhouse, to potentially join the conference in 2026. This move comes as the Pac-12 looks to revamp its lineup, with talks also targeting Mountain West schools UNLV and Utah State. The Pac-12 is shifting its focus away from a group of American Athletic Conference schools that have reaffirmed their commitment to their current league.
On the other hand, the Mountain West has secured a commitment from Air Force to remain in the conference, despite interest from the AAC. Additionally, schools like Memphis, Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA have been identified as potential targets for the Pac-12, although a joint statement from these institutions emphasized their commitment to each other and their conference.
In recent weeks, the Pac-12 has made significant strides in rebuilding its roster for the 2026 relaunch. Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Colorado State have already been added from the Mountain West, joining Washington State and Oregon State as the current Pac-12 members.
For the Pac-12 to be recognized as a conference with access to NCAA championships and the College Football Playoff in 2026, it requires a minimum of eight members across all sports. The potential addition of Gonzaga, known for its strong men's basketball program with consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and notable successes, would bolster the Pac-12's athletic profile.
However, the Pac-12 still needs to secure two more schools that participate in football to meet the conference requirements. The ongoing realignment efforts and negotiations indicate a significant shift in the collegiate sports landscape, with conferences actively seeking to strengthen their positions and competitiveness.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of college athletics and the strategic decisions being made by conferences to enhance their programs and opportunities for student-athletes. As discussions continue and plans unfold, the future landscape of collegiate sports, particularly within the Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences, remains subject to further changes and developments.
