Just when we thought the Pac-12 was dead, we get the news that it has come back to life. With only four teams so far, but hey ... you gotta start somewhere.
Videos by FanBuzz
And it will start with Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State, the programs announced. It will start during the 2026-27 academic year.
Granted, those aren't exactly Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA, but again, it beats nothing. We think. Holdovers Oregon State and Washington State will also remain.
"For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics," Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould said in a statement. "We will continue to pursue bold cutting-edge opportunities for growth and progress, to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes. I am thankful to our board for their efforts to welcome Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University to the conference. An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today."
Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State are all bolting the Mountain West. That's not a Power 5 conference (or as the case may be today, Power 4). It's unclear if the new Pac-12 will become one.
Anyway, Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez released a statement on Wednesday about the rumored departures that are now true.
"The Mountain West Conference is aware of media reports regarding the potential departure of several of our members, and we will have more to say in the days ahead," Nevarez said. "All members will be held to the Conference bylaws and policies should they elect to depart. The requirements of the scheduling agreement will apply to the Pac-12 should they admit Mountain West members. Our Board of Directors is meeting to determine our next steps. The Mountain West has a proud 25-year history and will continue to thrive in the years ahead."
Teams that bolt the Mountain West are required to pay an $18 million exit fee, ESPN reported. So the Mountain West should be just fine. The rebuilt Pac-12? Yeah, that remains to be seen.
