The new Pac-12 is taking shape as Texas State University becomes the latest institution to apply and be accepted to the conference. Texas State joins Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State as the nine inaugural members.
According to Texas State’s official press release, the Bobcats will compete in the Pac-12 conference starting in July 2026. For the 2025-26 school year, Texas State will play one final season in the Sun Belt Conference.
As a part of the move to the Pac-12, Texas State’s board of regents approved a $5 million buyout with the Sun Belt Conference.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the new Pac-12,” said Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould. “It is a new day in college sports and the most opportune time to launch a new league that is positioned to succeed in today’s landscape with student-athletes in mind.”
All of Texas State University’s 16 varsity sports will compete in the Pac-12, including the Bobcats’ football team, which has won the Sun Belt Conference commissioner’s cup three out of the last four years.
And football isn’t the only team winning championships at Texas State. The softball team was regular season champions, the volleyball team won the tournament championship, and soccer, track and tennis all finished within the top four in their respective championship series.
“Texas State is thrilled to enter a new era in college athletics as the newest member of the Pac-12 Conference. This milestone offers an incredible opportunity to elevate our programs, compete at the highest level, and pursue excellence on a national stage,” said Texas State’s director of athletics Don Coryell. “This historic moment belongs to our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students, who we thank for making it possible. As the Pac-12’s flagship school in Texas, we proudly embrace the opportunity and responsibility that comes with it.”
