In San Francisco, the college sports world is buzzing as teams in the Pac-12 continue to make significant shifts in conference alignment. The past couple of years have seen many Pac-12 teams jump ship to other conferences, influenced heavily by factors like money and media deals. This exodus has left the remaining teams with a tough road ahead, but it appears they are finding ways to move forward.
Recent reports suggest that Texas State is the frontrunner to join the Pac-12 as its eighth full-time member. If invited, Texas State is expected to accept, securing the conference a foothold in Texas. Under the leadership of head coach GJ Kinne, the Bobcats have shown promise, finishing with winning records for two consecutive seasons.
As these changes unfold, the Group of Five leagues have also felt the impact. If Texas State makes the jump, Louisiana Tech might seek an invitation to the Sun Belt, which could lead Conference USA to eye Tarleton State as a potential replacement. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 is navigating its new media deals that could range between $4 million and $10 million per school annually.
In other news, Sacramento State is facing delays in its efforts to transition to the FBS level as an independent program. Their request for a waiver to enter the reclassification process was recommended for denial by the NCAA Football Oversight Committee, which might significantly shift their plans going forward.
There are also changes in the Mountain West conference, where Northern Illinois has officially accepted an invitation to join, leaving its previous conference behind. This move reflects the ongoing realignment as teams search for better financial opportunities. With the recent loss of top teams, it remains to be seen how the Mountain West will bolster its ranks, with reports indicating a focus on UTEP and others for future membership.
The College Football Playoff also recently updated its format, making it harder for Group of Five teams to secure playoff spots. Starting in 2024, the playoff will feature automatically qualifying the five highest-ranked conference champions, presenting a more complex route for teams outside the Power Conferences.
This ongoing shake-up in college sports highlights a pivotal moment in conference alignments, impacting not only the teams and their fans but also the financial landscape of college athletics. As these teams navigate the changes, all eyes will be on how they adapt in the coming seasons.
