As college football continues to undergo a massive reshuffling, Texas State University is positioning itself as a strong candidate for inclusion in the Pac-12 conference’s planned expansion for the 2026 season. The Pac-12, once home to prestigious programs like USC, UCLA, and others, has seen a dramatic reorganization, and Texas State’s growth and strategic location have made it an attractive option as the conference looks to rebuild and diversify.
Historically overlooked in the world of college athletics, Texas State has undergone significant transformation since its departure from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2010. Over the past decade, the university has steadily increased its competitiveness in sports, particularly in football and basketball. This shift has led to growing interest from larger conferences, particularly the Pac-12, which is seeking to expand after a dramatic decline in membership. By 2025, the Pac-12 had been reduced to just two schools, Oregon State and Washington State, after several high-profile departures. The conference is now scrambling to restore its prominence by adding new teams, and Texas State is emerging as a key contender in this realignment.
According to reports from ESPN, Texas State is expected to receive a formal invitation to join the Pac-12 soon, potentially before the July 1 deadline. This deadline is critical, as it marks the date when Texas State’s exit fee from the Sun Belt Conference will double to $10 million, putting pressure on the university to make a timely decision. The Pac-12’s interest in Texas State is rooted not only in the school’s growing athletic profile but also in its strategic location. San Marcos, situated between the major Texas cities of Austin and San Antonio, provides a logistical and recruiting advantage in one of the most talent-rich regions in collegiate sports. This central location makes Texas State an ideal candidate to tap into the competitive high school athletics ecosystems of Central Texas and beyond.
While the Bobcats may not yet rival the top-tier programs of the SEC or Big Ten, their entry into the Pac-12 could significantly shift the competitive landscape in Texas and the broader region. The addition of Texas State, along with other prospective Pac-12 expansion candidates like Fresno State, Boise State, and Gonzaga (which would join for basketball), could change the dynamic of collegiate athletics in the western United States. Texas State’s inclusion would also add another strong foothold in Texas, a state that is always central to recruiting, media exposure, and competitive college sports.
The Pac-12’s efforts to revitalize its brand have become even more critical as major conferences like the SEC and Big Ten continue to dominate college sports in both revenue and media attention. For the Pac-12 to remain competitive on the national stage, it must expand in a way that maintains regional relevance while enhancing its athletic footprint. The addition of schools like Texas State, which boast strong recruiting bases and increasing national appeal, is part of the conference’s broader strategy to remain a viable contender in the ever-evolving college sports landscape.
For Texas State, joining the Pac-12 would represent a historic milestone, elevating the university’s athletic programs to a new level of national recognition. Though the Bobcats may initially face stiff competition from established programs, their inclusion in the conference could help grow the school’s athletic and academic stature, enhancing both its regional and national profile.
Furthermore, the financial benefits for Texas State could be substantial. As the Pac-12 pursues new television contracts and sponsorships in its efforts to rebuild, Texas State stands to gain from increased media exposure and the competitive advantages that come with being part of a Power 5 conference. These resources could, in turn, fuel further investments in facilities, scholarships, and athletic development programs, contributing to the university’s continued growth and success.
While challenges remain—such as the Bobcats’ ability to compete with elite programs in the Pac-12—the potential rewards are significant. Texas State’s participation in this reshaped conference could also open the door to further regional expansion in Texas and the broader Southwest, making the Pac-12 a more nationally competitive force in the years to come.
In conclusion, Texas State University’s likely entry into the Pac-12 is a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of college athletics. By capitalizing on its strategic location, athletic growth, and the evolving dynamics of college football, the university stands to gain both immediate and long-term benefits. The next few months will be crucial for finalizing this move, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for both Texas State and the Pac-12 in the years ahead.
