Pac-12 realignment talks: Update emerges on UNLV, Utah State, San Jose State per reports
In what has been described as a “race” between the Pac-12 and Mountain West, the two are looking to secure the future of their conference membership moving forward. The Pac-12 was looking to expand across the country but after failing to do so, moved back out West. Schools such as UNLV, Utah State, and San Jose State have been in the middle of the discussion.
One of those programs has decided to make the move according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Utah State is expected to accept an offer from the Pac-12 after On3’s Pete Nakos reported the Aggies received terms of membership earlier on Monday.
Utah State is set to join the Pac-12 once the announcement is officially made, making them the seventh member of the conference.
“Sources: Utah State is expected to take its offer from the Pac-12,” Thamel said via X. “The confirmation of accepting the offer is expected soon.”
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However, for now, the Pac-12 is going to be stuck at seven members. Thamel is also reporting UNLV and San Jose State is expected to remain with the Mountain West. A big win for the MWC, mainly with the Rebels as Thamel says they are expected to be the flagship program — alongside Air Force — in the conference.
“Sources: UNLV has agreed to commit to the Mountain West for future membership,” Thamel said via X. “This looms large for the Mountain West, as UNLV and Air Force are considered the flagship schools for the league’s future. San Jose State also plans to commit this evening, per a source.”
Seven members are currently slated to be a part of the future Pac-12, with Oregon State and Washington State being left behind by the now Big Ten and Big 12 schools. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West to join the Pac-12 in July 2026 while paying exit fees of $17 million each.
You can now add Utah State to the list. It’s the program’s fifth instance of moving conferences since 2000 but this one will be the biggest of them all from a brand recognition standpoint.
As the Pac-12 is looking to meet the NCAA conference requirements, finding at least one more school to join the new-look conference will be required by the summer of 2026.
The Mountain West is also currently at seven members once Utah State officially announces its departure from the conference.