In Los Angeles, the college sports landscape has undergone significant changes, particularly with the Pac-12 conference facing upheaval due to multiple teams leaving. This reshuffling has influenced various leagues, including those in the Group of Five, which includes schools that don’t receive the same level of national attention or funding as the major conferences.
Recently, Texas State officially joined the Pac-12, becoming the conference’s eighth full-time member. This move is seen as significant given Texas State’s growing football program under head coach GJ Kinne, who has led the team to a record of 8-5 in both 2023 and 2024 with bowl victories. Adding Texas State enhances the Pac-12’s presence in Texas, a key state for recruiting and fan engagement.
In another development, Louisiana Tech received an invitation to join the Sun Belt conference, which is also reshaping its structure after the Pac-12 changes. The Sun Belt has focused on geographic relevance for new additions, recognizing Louisiana Tech’s success in sports like baseball and softball, making it a desirable addition alongside other members.
Meanwhile, Sacramento State had ambitions to move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) but faced setbacks when the NCAA denied their waiver request. Despite the setback, the university leaders are determined to forge ahead, emphasizing their commitment to achieving full FBS membership by 2026.
As teams like Northern Illinois have accepted invitations to join the Mountain West, questions arise about how these movements will affect the financial landscape of college sports. The Mountain West sees this as an opportunity to attract competitive programs while also expanding its geographic footprint.
As the Pac-12 negotiates its upcoming media rights deal with The CW, potential payouts are uncertain but projected to be lower than initially hoped, which may limit the appeal of joining the conference for other teams. The future of the conference remains in play as it contends with financial stability while trying to rebuild after the exodus of several high-profile programs.
In addition, the College Football Playoff structure is set to change, which affects Group of Five teams as their path to the playoff becomes more challenging. Recent changes to seeding rules mean that merely being a conference champion may not guarantee a playoff spot.
As these adjustments unfold, the college sports scene will continue to evolve, impacting everything from recruiting to regional rivalries and financial projections for athletic programs nationwide.
