The Pac-12 returns to college football with an overhauled member lineup

The Pac-12 officially resumes competition in 2026 with a reorganized membership consisting of eight teams. Following years of litigation and shifts in conference alignment, the league is working to establish stability in its new configuration. Member universities, including Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, and Washington State, face pressure to demonstrate competitiveness to justify the resources spent on the conference relaunch. Achieving success in non-conference play is viewed as a priority to secure early wins and build momentum for the season. Expectations for the conference include having multiple programs qualify for bowl games and maintaining a presence in the College Football Playoff conversation. Individual teams are tasked with specific performance improvements, ranging from quarterback development at Fresno State and San Diego State to defensive maturation for Texas State.

• 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Pac-12 spent years rebuilding; now the hard work begins.