How the Pac-12 will look after realignment in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
College football looks dramatically different, and nowhere is that more evident than in the restructured Pac-12. Once home to historic West Coast powers like USC, Oregon, and Washington, the conference has gone through a complete transformation. The realignment chaos that saw most of its top programs depart for the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
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The new look Pac-12 finalized its football lineup for the 2026 season with the addition of Texas State, joining seven other schools to form a new eight-team football conference. This lineup satisfies the NCAA’s minimum requirement for a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) league and ensures access to bowl tie-ins and potential College Football Playoff (CFP) inclusion.
The 2026 Pac-12 Football Members & 2025 Records (Thru Week 6)
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Fresno State (5-1 in 2025)
The first wave of expansion in 2024 added five of the Mountain West’s top programs: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State. Together, they’ve won 11 of the last 12 Mountain West titles. Texas State was added this year, bringing momentum and back-to-back bowl wins under coach G.J. Kinne. Oregon State and Washington State are last remaining original Pac-12 members, who opted to rebuild around these additions rather than dissolve the brand.
No longer a power conference
While the Pac-12 name lives on, the NCAA officially stripped the league of its “Power” status in 2024. It no longer holds autonomous legislative powers, and its influence both financially and in CFP access has declined. The conference still retains access to the Group of Five’s New Year’s Six bowl bid, giving its top teams a national postseason path.
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Title Contenders
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Fresno State
With strong coaching, an elite offense, and one of the top 2026 recruiting classes among incoming members, the Bulldogs enter as the early favorite. They also posted a dominant 42–14 win over Georgia Southern (351 rushing yards) early in 2025, showing the kind of execution that matters in big games. Mountain West Connection
(Added: Big win to justify their dominance.) -
Boise State
A tradition-rich program that’s consistently recruited well. Their 2026 recruiting class ranks ahead of many future Pac-12 rivals. While they have had losses (e.g. a 28–7 defeat to Notre Dame) in 2025, their pedigree and ability to bounce back make them dangerous. One Foot Down
(Added: example of a tough loss to show realism.) -
San Diego State
Off to a strong 4–1 start in 2025, the Aztecs are shaping up to be a serious contender. Their experienced defense and solid program infrastructure give them the consistency needed to compete in the new Pac-12 -
Texas State
Under G.J. Kinne, the Bobcats are trending upward, bolstered by portal talent and system continuity. They bring some cred: Texas State ranked 46th (Team Success), 62nd (FPI), and 48th (SP+) among FBS in recent metrics, making them among the stronger additions in analytic measures. Washington State University Athletics (Added: analytic ranking context.)
Middle of the Pack
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Washington State
In transition under a new staff, but with one of the better 2026 recruiting classes in the league, the Cougars have upside. A loss here or there in 2025 will temper expectations, but the trajectory matters. -
Utah State
Led by former BYU/Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall, the Aggies could surprise if they stabilize. If they snap up transfer talent and improve consistency, they could challenge the middle tier. -
Colorado State
Jay Norvell’s recruiting is improving, but the on-field product remains inconsistent. Their 1–4 record is a reality check, though they may have competitive performances in losses that hint at future growth
Rebuilding Phase
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Oregon State
After a tough 2025 and significant roster turnover, coach Trent Bray faces an uphill battle in a deeper, more competitive conference. Their 0–6 record is stark, but rebuilding through recruiting and experience is a legitimate path.
(Added: the record and rebuilding narrative.)
How does the Pac-12 stack up nationally?
The new Pac-12 is forging a new identity. With a competitive core of G5 powerhouses, stable leadership, analytics support, and a national postseason path still available, the league is positioned for survival and potential success. The 2026 season may launch a blueprint for how legacy conferences rebuild in the realignment era.
