who will be in the pac 12 in 2026

2 min read 14-03-2025

The Pac-12 Conference is facing unprecedented upheaval. The departures of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten in 2024 sent shockwaves through college athletics. The question on everyone's mind: Who will be in the Pac-12 in 2026? The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward.

The Current Landscape: A Fragile Foundation

As of today, the Pac-12's future remains uncertain. While the remaining ten schools are committed to continuing the conference, the long-term stability is questionable. Several factors contribute to this uncertainty.

The Big Ten's Expansion: A Looming Threat

The Big Ten's aggressive expansion, already incorporating USC and UCLA, leaves the Pac-12 vulnerable. The potential for further poaching of Pac-12 members, particularly those geographically closer to the Big Ten's footprint, remains a real possibility.

Media Rights Negotiations: A Crucial Turning Point

The Pac-12's current media rights deal expires in 2024. Securing a lucrative new deal is critical to the conference's survival and competitiveness. Failure to do so could lead to further defections and potentially the complete dismantling of the conference. Negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome will significantly impact the conference's composition in 2026.

The Mountain West Conference: A Potential Partner?

With the Pac-12's future unclear, speculation about potential mergers or alliances has intensified. The Mountain West Conference, geographically close and featuring several strong programs, is frequently mentioned as a potential partner. A merger might offer stability and increased bargaining power in media rights negotiations. However, such a merger would also require significant adjustments and could face various obstacles.

Predicting the Pac-12 Roster in 2026: A Crystal Ball

Predicting the exact composition of the Pac-12 in 2026 is speculative. However, based on current trends, we can consider several possibilities:

Scenario 1: The Status Quo (Most Unlikely): All ten remaining schools stay. This scenario is improbable given the ongoing pressures and uncertainties.

Scenario 2: Partial Dissolution/Merger (Most Likely): Some Pac-12 schools might migrate to other conferences (Big 12 being a strong possibility) or a significant merger with the Mountain West Conference or another conference could occur, reshaping the landscape of college athletics.

Scenario 3: Pac-12 Rebrands and Reorganizes (Possible): If the Pac-12 secures a favorable media deal, it might reorganize, potentially leading to some schools leaving but still having enough remaining members to maintain a competitive conference.

The Key Players and Their Decisions

The decisions made by schools like Oregon, Washington, and Stanford will likely determine the Pac-12's fate. Their geographic location and academic prestige make them attractive targets for other conferences. Their choices will be crucial in shaping the Pac-12's future.

Conclusion: Uncertainty Reigns

The future of the Pac-12 in 2026 is shrouded in uncertainty. The conference's ability to navigate the challenges posed by media rights negotiations, potential poaching by other conferences, and the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics will ultimately determine its survival and composition. While the current ten schools may remain committed now, the next few years will bring significant changes and decisions shaping the Pac-12's future. Stay tuned for updates!