Thursday, November 5, 2026

Mountain West Appears To Be Likely Spot For Last Two Pac-12 Schools

  • Oregon State and Washington State are the only two Pac-12 schools remaining.
  • The Mountain West appears to be intent on adding the schools, or partnering in some capacity.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

As the dust finally begins to settle on conference realignment with the 2023 college football season officially underway, options for the Pac-12’s lone pair of remaining schools are dwindling.

After the ACC added Stanford and California last week, Oregon State and Washington State are faced with an even more challenging task as they search for a conference home in 2024 and beyond. The most feasible scenario now seems to be joining forces with the Mountain West — expanding the conference to 14 football members.

On Saturday, Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez confirmed the conference’s interest in adding the two universities. “We’ve visited both schools, and we’ve started the conversation,” she said.

The American Athletic Conference said it would no longer consider adding West Coast schools, and the Big 12 has previously said it is done expanding.

One possible option is partnering with the Mountain West and keeping the Pac-12 name, but it is still being determined if that is still viable with just two Pac-12 schools left.

AAC Targets Army

AAC is reportedly targeting Army to replace Southern Methodist University, which decided to join the ACC.

Army is an independent school, and joining the AAC would put it in the same conference as its rival Navy. Army would like to keep its game against Navy at the same spot on the calendar — after conference championship games — meaning the matchup could remain a non-conference game.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti watches during the first round American Conference Tournament game between Memphis and Tulane in Birmingham, Ala, on March 11, 2026.

Why Private Equity Is Still Hesitant to Invest in College Sports

There’s “plenty of money for the taking,” says Tim Pernetti.

NFL Could Soon Let TV Viewers Watch, Hear Instant Replay Reviews

The NFL could follow the ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten’s lead.

Army-Navy Could Shift Dates to Accommodate 24-Team CFP

The game could take place the Saturday left open without conference championships.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium

James Madison Joins the American Before Sun Belt Exit Fees Rise

JMU’s move beats a pending vote on higher Sun Belt exit fees.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/5/26 – Owners’ $100M Midterm Miss, College Sports Bill’s Uncertain Future, Peyton Tops ‘MNF’ List

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.

Cody Campbell’s Texas Tech Board Seat in Jeopardy After Elections

Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa could replace Texas university board members.
November 4, 2026

Multiple States Ban Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports

Arizona and Nebraska passed measures banning transgender athletes from girls sports.
Apr 12, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; The Florida State Seminoles logo before the start of the spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
November 4, 2026

Florida State’s Coach Search Puts Roster Budget in Focus

Portal planning is already underway ahead of the Jan. 4 window.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
Voters were up bright and early to cast their votes at Belville Elementary School in Brunswick County Nov. 3, 2026.
November 4, 2026

College Sports Bill in Peril After Democrats Sweep Midterms

The Protect College Sports Act could drown in the blue wave.
November 3, 2026

Syracuse AD Wants Basketball Powerhouse to Prioritize Football

Syracuse hosts Clemson this weekend with ACC Network’s pregame show in town.
Jeremy Bloom
November 3, 2026

Why Jeremy Bloom Hasn’t Donated NIL Money to Colorado Football

“I think that the system is broken,” Bloom said.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; ESPN personality Rece Davis interviews Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
November 3, 2026

ESPN’s CFP Rankings Show Returns Amid Scrutiny, New Criteria

Six two-loss SEC teams will test how the committee weighs schedule strength.