Sep 14, 2024; Logan, Utah, USA; Utah State Aggies running back Rahsul Faison (3) is brought down by Utah Utes linebacker Levani Damuni (3) after a short gain in the second half at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images The Utah State has agreed to join the Pac-12 Conference, multiple reports said Monday night, nearly completing the league’s rebuild to become a recognized FBS football conference.
The Pac-12 was left with only Oregon State and Washington State after last year’s round of conference realignment. Two weeks ago, the conference announced it was adding Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State from the Mountain West, beginning in 2026.
Utah State would bring conference membership to seven, with the Pac-12 needing a minimum of eight institutions to be considered an FBS conference whose champion could qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
UNLV originally committed to stay with the Mountain West, ESPN reported Monday, but following the Utah State news, multiple reports indicated UNLV was still exploring its options, as the Mountain West may now be in danger of dipping beneath the eight-team threshold.
The Mountain West is also home to Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming. Hawaii is a football-only member. It is unclear which other schools the Pac-12 was prioritizing.
Earlier Monday, Memphis, Tulane, South Florida and UTSA pledged their commitment to the American Athletic Conference not long after it was reported that the Pac-12 approached those schools about joining them.
–Field Level Media
