In Tempe, Arizona, the landscape of college sports continues to shift as conferences undergo significant changes. The Pac-12, once a powerhouse in college football, has been scrambling over the past few years with several of its teams making the leap to other conferences. Money and media deals have played a crucial role in these decisions. Amidst these changes, the Group of Five (G5) conferences are also feeling the impact.
Recently, Texas State University became the Pac-12’s eighth full-time member, marking an exciting development. With its strong performance in recent seasons under head coach GJ Kinne, where the Bobcats recorded back-to-back 8-5 seasons with bowl victories, Texas State adds value to the conference. Their new membership also extends the Pac-12’s reach into Texas.
Additionally, Louisiana Tech is set to join the Sun Belt Conference after a vote by the league’s officials. The Sun Belt has been strategic in selecting teams that not only fit geographically but also show promise in various sports, including baseball and softball, which is a win for Louisiana Tech.
In the meantime, Tarleton State is positioned as a potential candidate for Conference USA as that league looks to replenish its numbers. Discussions around media rights for the Pac-12 have seen projections ranging from $4 million to $10 million per year, but specifics remain unclear.
On a disappointing note, Sacramento State’s aspirations to transition from FCS to FBS hit a roadblock when the NCAA Division I Council denied its waiver request. Sacramento State had hoped to join as an independent team by 2026, but the NCAA favored teams already in a conference, leaving the Hornets to remain in FCS for now.
Meanwhile, Northern Illinois voted to join the Mountain West, leaving the MAC for potentially better financial prospects and competition. This move mirrors the larger trend of shifting alliances that have altered the FBS landscape dramatically, especially with high-profile programs like Washington and Oregon moving to the Big Ten.
As the Pac-12 explores its options for the future, including potential legal battles over poaching penalties from the Mountain West, teams like UTEP have decided to make a move that aligns with stronger performance and potential financial gain. UTEP will become a Mountain West member starting in 2026, showcasing the ongoing reshuffling in college sports.
With these significant changes in play, the fate and structure of college sports continue to evolve, raising questions about how these shifts will impact team performance, financial health, and the overall competitive landscape.
