After a tumultuous period that saw the Pac‑12 teeter on the brink of collapse, the conference reconvenes this season with eight members, a mix of holdovers and newcomers eager to rewrite its narrative. Oregon State and Washington State remain the only original institutions, while six new programs bring fresh energy and competitive depth.
Boise State’s Title Bid
Boise State arrives as the preseason favorite, riding a three‑game winning streak in the Mountain West and a recent College Football Playoff appearance. The Broncos bring back quarterback Maddux Madsen, who threw for 2,334 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, and edge rusher Jayden Virgin‑Morgan, who amassed 31 tackles for loss over three seasons.
San Diego State, fresh off a 12th‑ranked national defense, returns running back Lucky Sutton and a core of defensive stalwarts, aiming to translate that unit into a conference‑wide force.
Meanwhile, Fresno State under head coach Matt Entz boasts one of the nation’s top pass defenses and retains most of its rushing attack, positioning the Bulldogs as a balanced threat.
Utah State hopes to snap a five‑year slide, fielding a roster bolstered by key offensive and defensive returnees, while Texas State brings a high‑octane offense that averaged 472 yards per game in the Sun Belt last season.
Strategic Shifts
The league has introduced a flex scheduling model that pairs conference games with non‑conference matchups, a move designed to increase playoff visibility. Coupled with a new television agreement that guarantees linear broadcast of every contest, the Pac‑12 seeks broader national exposure.
Three new coaches will shape the story: Kirby Moore takes the helm at Washington State, Jim Mora is tasked with reviving Colorado State’s program, and JaMarcus Shephard returns to Oregon State with a fresh offensive philosophy.