The Pac‑12, once diminished by realignment, has re‑emerged with seven new members ready to stake their claim in the 2026‑27 men’s basketball landscape.
Gonzaga opens the season as the clear No. 1 in the conference’s power rankings, buoyed by a roster that features multiple NBA‑caliber talents and a realistic shot at cracking the national top five.
Key Storylines to Watch
Utah State anchors its outlook around senior guard Mason Falslev, who last season averaged 16 points, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game, giving the Aggies a stable core heading into the new campaign.
San Diego State will have to replace several departed stars, turning instead to a blend of international newcomers and transfer acquisitions to fill the void left by departing veterans.
Oregon State made a notable hire in assistant coach Justin Joyner, who brings a hand‑picked group of prospects to Corvallis and hopes to translate that talent into on‑court impact.
Colorado State managed to retain four potential starters, highlighted by 6‑10 senior forward Carey Booth, providing the Rams with a promising interior presence.
Boise State’s offseason addition of Illinois transfer Ty Rodgers was cut short when a knee injury sidelined the guard indefinitely, leaving the Broncos to adjust their backcourt plans.
Texas State arrives as the wildcard of the group, with sophomore wing DJ Hall set to build on a breakout freshman year that saw him emerge as a superstar‑type scorer.
Fresno State bolstered its frontcourt by adding high‑major transfers Baye Fall and Quentin Rhymes, aiming to increase depth and competitiveness in the paint.
Washington State’s head coach David Riley faces an uphill battle to lift the Cougars out of the conference’s lower tier, a challenge compounded by limited resources and a thin roster.