Pac-12 Football Teams: Who's Still In?

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 39 views

The Pac-12 Conference has been a hot topic in college football lately, guys! With all the conference realignment buzz, it's hard to keep track of who's staying and who's going. So, let's break down which college football teams are still part of the Pac-12. As of now, after a whirlwind of departures, the future of the Pac-12 is looking very different. Initially formed in 1915 as the Pacific Coast Conference, it has a rich history and tradition. However, recent events have led to significant changes in its membership. This article aims to provide a clear picture of the teams that remain committed to the conference and explore the implications of these shifts. Understanding the current landscape is crucial for fans, analysts, and anyone interested in college football. The decisions made by these universities will shape the competitive balance and future direction of collegiate sports on the West Coast and beyond. So, let's dive into the specifics and see which teams are sticking around and what the future might hold for the Pac-12. We'll look at the history, the departures, and the commitments to give you a comprehensive overview. Stay tuned to find out who is still flying the Pac-12 flag!

Current Pac-12 Teams

Currently, only two teams are officially committed to remaining in the Pac-12: Oregon State and Washington State. This is a massive change from the conference that once boasted some of the most competitive teams in college football. Oregon State and Washington State have found themselves in a unique and challenging position. Both universities have expressed their commitment to rebuilding the conference, but the path forward is uncertain. The remaining teams' decisions to depart have left these two schools to navigate a landscape filled with question marks. Their determination to stay and rebuild highlights their dedication to their athletic programs and the Pac-12's legacy. These schools are exploring various options to ensure their athletic programs remain competitive. This includes considering potential mergers with other conferences, independent scheduling, and other creative solutions to maintain their status in college football. The decisions made by Oregon State and Washington State will be pivotal in determining the future structure and viability of the Pac-12. For now, they stand as the last bastions of a once-great conference, facing unprecedented challenges with resilience and resolve. Their commitment underscores the deep connections between these universities and the Pac-12's storied history.

Teams Leaving the Pac-12

A significant number of teams have announced their departure from the Pac-12, triggering a major realignment in college football. These departures have reshaped the landscape of collegiate athletics and left the conference in a state of flux. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that are leaving and where they are headed:

USC: The University of Southern California is set to join the Big Ten Conference. This move represents a significant shift for USC, bringing them into a new competitive arena with different challenges and opportunities. The decision to join the Big Ten was influenced by factors such as increased revenue potential, enhanced national exposure, and the chance to compete against other top-tier programs. USC's departure marks the end of a long-standing tradition within the Pac-12 and the beginning of a new chapter in their athletic history.
UCLA: Like their crosstown rivals, UCLA is also heading to the Big Ten. This move pairs them with USC, creating a strong West Coast presence in the conference. UCLA's motivations for joining the Big Ten mirror those of USC, including financial incentives and the desire for greater national visibility. The Bruins' departure from the Pac-12 signifies a major change for the university and its athletic programs, as they embark on a journey into a new and highly competitive conference.
Oregon: The University of Oregon has decided to join the Big Ten Conference as well. Oregon's move to the Big Ten is a strategic decision aimed at securing the financial future of their athletic programs. The Ducks have a strong football tradition and a national brand, making them an attractive addition to the conference. This move will provide Oregon with new rivalries, increased media exposure, and the resources to compete at the highest level of college football.
Washington: The University of Washington is also set to join the Big Ten, further weakening the Pac-12's position. Washington's departure is driven by similar factors as Oregon's, including financial stability and enhanced competitive opportunities. The Huskies have a long and proud football history, and joining the Big Ten will allow them to continue competing against top-tier programs while securing their financial future. This move represents a significant loss for the Pac-12, as Washington has been a consistent contender in the conference.
Arizona: The University of Arizona is moving to the Big 12 Conference. Arizona's decision to join the Big 12 is part of a broader trend of schools seeking stability and financial security. The Wildcats have a strong athletic program and a loyal fan base, making them a valuable addition to the Big 12. This move will provide Arizona with new rivalries and increased exposure, while also offering the financial resources needed to compete in a rapidly changing college sports landscape.
Arizona State: Arizona State University is also joining the Big 12, aligning them with their in-state rivals. Arizona State's move to the Big 12 is motivated by similar factors as Arizona's, including financial incentives and the desire for greater stability. The Sun Devils have a competitive athletic program and a strong presence in the Phoenix metropolitan area, making them an attractive addition to the conference. This move will allow Arizona State to compete against a new set of rivals while securing their financial future.
Utah: The University of Utah is set to join the Big 12 Conference as well. Utah's decision to move to the Big 12 is driven by the same factors influencing other schools, including financial stability and enhanced competitive opportunities. The Utes have emerged as a strong football program in recent years, and joining the Big 12 will allow them to continue competing at a high level while securing their financial future. This move represents a significant change for Utah, as they leave the Pac-12 in search of greater stability and resources.
Colorado: The University of Colorado has already made the move to the Big 12. Colorado's return to the Big 12 is driven by a combination of factors, including financial considerations and the desire to rekindle old rivalries. The Buffaloes have a rich athletic history and a passionate fan base, making them a valuable addition to the conference. This move will provide Colorado with new opportunities for growth and success, as they rejoin a conference where they have a long and storied history.
California (Cal): The University of California, Berkeley has decided to join the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference).
Stanford: Stanford University is also set to join the ACC, marking a significant change for the university and its athletic programs.

These departures have created a ripple effect throughout college football, raising questions about the future of the Pac-12 and the broader landscape of collegiate athletics. The decisions made by these universities reflect the growing importance of financial stability and national exposure in the world of college sports.

Why Teams Are Leaving

So, why are these teams ditching the Pac-12? Well, there are a few key factors at play, and it's not just about one thing. A big part of it is money, honey! The revenue distribution in the Pac-12 has been a point of contention for a while. Compared to conferences like the Big Ten and the SEC, the Pac-12 hasn't been bringing in as much dough. This is largely due to TV deals and media rights. The other conferences have secured more lucrative contracts, which means more money for their member schools. And let’s be real, in today's college sports world, money talks.

Another major factor is national exposure. Teams want to be on TV, and they want to be playing in games that people across the country are watching. The Big Ten and the SEC offer that kind of exposure, which can help with recruiting, branding, and overall prestige. The Pac-12, unfortunately, hasn't been able to provide the same level of visibility. Late-night games that end after midnight on the East Coast don’t exactly help build a national following. Plus, the changing landscape of college sports, with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, has made it even more important for schools to have access to resources and a strong platform.

Conference leadership has also played a role. Some critics argue that the Pac-12's leadership hasn't been as effective as it could have been in negotiating media deals and promoting the conference. There have been concerns about the Pac-12 Network and its limited reach, which has further contributed to the revenue gap. The decisions made (or not made) by conference leaders have definitely influenced the teams' decisions to look elsewhere. All these factors combined have created a perfect storm, leading to the mass exodus from the Pac-12. It's a complex situation, but at the end of the day, it's about money, exposure, and the future of college athletics.

The Future of the Pac-12

What does the future hold for the Pac-12? That's the million-dollar question! With only two teams remaining – Oregon State and Washington State – the conference is facing an existential crisis. There are several possibilities on the table, but none of them are set in stone. One option is for the Pac-12 to rebuild by adding new members. This could involve poaching teams from other conferences, like the Mountain West, or even reaching out to FCS schools. However, attracting quality programs will be a challenge, given the current state of the conference.

Another possibility is a merger with another conference. The Mountain West seems like the most logical partner, as it has several competitive teams and a similar geographic footprint. A merger could create a new, stronger conference that would be more attractive to media partners and fans. However, merging two conferences is a complex process that would involve a lot of negotiation and compromise.

Going independent is another option, particularly for Oregon State and Washington State. This would give them more control over their schedules and media rights, but it would also mean taking on more risk. As independent schools, they would have to negotiate their own TV deals and find their own opponents. This could be a viable option in the short term, but it's unlikely to be a sustainable solution in the long run.

Ultimately, the future of the Pac-12 will depend on the decisions made by Oregon State and Washington State, as well as the actions of other conferences and media partners. It's a time of great uncertainty, but also of opportunity. The Pac-12 could emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient, or it could fade into history. Only time will tell what the future holds for this storied conference. One thing is for sure: the landscape of college football is changing, and the Pac-12 is at the epicenter of that change.

What's Next for Oregon State and Washington State?

So, what's next for Oregon State and Washington State? These two universities are now the last remaining members of the Pac-12, and they face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Their decisions will shape the future of their athletic programs and could potentially influence the future of the conference itself. One of the immediate priorities for both schools is to secure their financial future. With the departure of so many high-profile teams, the Pac-12's media revenue is set to plummet. This means that Oregon State and Washington State will need to find new sources of income to support their athletic programs. They could explore options such as negotiating their own media deals, increasing ticket sales, and boosting fundraising efforts.

Another key task is to maintain their competitiveness on the field. Despite the challenges, both schools are committed to fielding competitive teams in all sports. This will require smart recruiting, strong coaching, and a continued investment in facilities and resources. They may also need to adjust their scheduling to ensure they are playing meaningful games that attract fans and generate revenue. Exploring conference realignment options is also crucial. While they are committed to rebuilding the Pac-12, Oregon State and Washington State must also consider other potential conference affiliations. They could look to join another existing conference, form a new conference with other schools, or remain independent. Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons, and the schools will need to carefully weigh their choices.

Building a coalition with other like-minded schools could be a strategic move. There are many universities across the country that are facing similar challenges, such as declining enrollment, budget cuts, and increasing competition for resources. By forming alliances with these schools, Oregon State and Washington State could create a stronger voice in college athletics and advocate for policies that benefit their institutions. Ultimately, the path forward for Oregon State and Washington State will require creativity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change. They are facing unprecedented challenges, but they also have the opportunity to shape their own destinies and create a new model for success in college athletics. Their decisions in the coming months and years will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and college sports administrators across the country.