San Diego State University’s football program, long known as the Aztecs, has finally secured a spot in the Pac‑12 Conference, ending a decades‑long odyssey that began in the 1960s.
A decades‑long dream realized
The journey has been marked by repeated rejections, a shattered Pac‑12 in 2023, and a relentless push by university leaders to find a stable home for their athletic teams.
The reconstituted conference now comprises Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, Texas State and Gonzaga, forming a diverse mix of West Coast programs.
John David Wicker, SDSU’s athletic director, described the moment as the culmination of relentless effort and expressed optimism about the new competitive landscape.
The new Pac‑12 lineup
Historically, the Aztecs enjoyed a golden era in the mid‑1960s under coach Don Coryell, who led the team to two small‑college national championships and a No. 14 national ranking.
Seth Mallios, an anthropology professor at SDSU, notes that the optimism surrounding the move echoes the soundbites once uttered by USC coach John McKay, underscoring a cultural shift in collegiate athletics.
What the move means for the Aztecs
Long‑time season‑ticket holder Ken Ables sees the transition as a natural upgrade from the Mountain West Conference, reflecting a broader realignment that could reshape regional rivalries.