The Pac-12 Returns From the Dead

After two years of existing in name only — reduced to just Oregon State and Washington State as the rest of the conference scattered to the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC — the Pac-12 will formally relaunch on July 1, 2026 as an 11-team super conference. The revival marks one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college sports history, transforming a brand that appeared destined for the graveyard into a legitimate Power Four competitor.

The New Members

The rebuilt Pac-12 will consist of 10 football-playing members plus Gonzaga University as a basketball-only member. The key additions include:

  • Boise State — the perennial Group of Five powerhouse with a winning culture and loyal fanbase
  • Colorado State — bringing the Fort Collins market and Mountain West credibility
  • Fresno State — the Central Valley program with a strong regional following

These three programs, all former Mountain West members, form the backbone of the new Pac-12 alongside the two surviving members (Oregon State and Washington State) and other programs that had remained independent or in transitional status.

The Multi-Network TV Portfolio

The new Pac-12 has secured a multi-network media rights portfolio that represents a significant upgrade from the remnants of the old conference:

  • CBS Sports (Paramount) — the anchor media partner on a 5-year agreement, providing premium distribution and production resources
  • USA Sports (USA Network) — a 5-year deal (through 2030-31) for 22 football games, 50 men's basketball games, and up to 10 women's basketball games annually
  • The CW Network — an extended partnership providing 13 regular-season football games, 35 men's basketball games, and 15 women's basketball games each season

The Pac-12's internal broadcast production arm, Pac-12 Enterprises, will remain active to produce televised games, maintaining the conference's control over its content.

What This Means for College Football

The Pac-12 revival reshapes the conference landscape heading into the 2026 season. Boise State, long the crown jewel of the Group of Five, now has a Power Four platform. The new conference gives the sport a more balanced four-conference structure and provides a West Coast home for programs that might otherwise have been left without a major conference affiliation.

What This Means for CFB 27

In CFB 27, the Pac-12 revival is reflected in the game's conference structure. Boise State, Colorado State, and Fresno State now compete as Pac-12 members, and their team ratings should be adjusted accordingly. For Dynasty mode players, the new Pac-12 offers an exciting alternative to the traditional Power Four paths — a conference with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove. The multi-network TV deals also mean more national exposure for Pac-12 programs, which translates to higher recruiting visibility in-game.