The New Pac-12: What It Is, What It Isn't, and What It Might Become

The old Pac-12 died. What exists now is something entirely different: a rebuilt league with familiar logos, new members, and a complicated identity crisis. Despite the legacy name, this is no longer a Power Four conference in the way college football fans have come to define it. It's a reshaped, regional, mid-tier league anchored by Boise State, the only genuine national brand in the room.

This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about facts.

When USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon left, the Power Five label began to crumble. When Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah followed, it shattered. What remains are Oregon State and Washington State, two respectable programs paired with incoming members from the Mountain West: Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Colorado State. Gonzaga will join for basketball only. Texas State is also set to enter as an affiliate in 2026.

Let’s not dwell on the past. This is a new conference, and its strength lies in what these schools are now, not what the Pac-12 logo used to represent.

The numbers tell the story. Boise State leads the way in wins, bowl games, conference titles, and national TV draw. Fresno State isn’t far behind and has long been a feared non-Power opponent. Oregon State has had a good stretch, including a 10-win season in 2022. Washington State is competitive but hasn’t cracked double-digit wins since 2018.

Texas State has recently gained momentum under G.J. Kinne but has one of the weakest long-term records (56–102 since joining the FBS in 2012). Colorado State, while historically solid, is still rebuilding.

Tier 1: The Brand

Tier 2: Proven Contenders

Tier 3: Solid but Searching

Tier 4: Hoping for a Breakthrough

Money. Exposure. A playoff path.

The media rights deal is likely to be in the $8–11 million range per school, far below the Big 12 or SEC. The league will struggle to place games on ESPN or FOX in prime slots. And unless the College Football Playoff committee adjusts, the new Pac-12 won’t get automatic access to the expanded playoff, meaning it must outbid the AAC, MWC, and Sun Belt every year.

It’s a rebuilt, regional league with strong programs, uncertain finances, and a familiar name. It has made Boise State an authentic national brand. It has Fresno State, Oregon State, and Washington State, respected, competitive programs with ambition. However, it lacks Power Four money, access, and reach. Not yet.

From the outside, it may be a matter of life and death. Internally, it’s a reset.

The old Pac-12 died. What’s left is a top-end Group of Five league trying to grow into something more. It’s not a punchline, but it’s not a power league either.

Not today.

For those still clinging to the illusion that this is a power conference, the postseason structure says otherwise. The Pac-12 is grouped with the AAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, and Conference USA in the bidding for one final playoff spot. There is no automatic qualifier status, no preferential treatment, and no extra media revenue. It will have to earn its place every year, just like any other G5 league.

No committee is treating this conference like a peer to the SEC or Big Ten. And neither should we.

Whatever this league becomes, it won’t be because of the name on the logo. It’ll be because of who wins.