Texas State University Joins Pac-12 Conference

News Summary

Texas State University has officially accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, a significant milestone in its athletics program. Set to take effect in the 2026-27 school year, this move follows strategic negotiations resulting in a reduced exit fee from the Sun Belt Conference. With the inclusion of Texas State, the Pac-12 adds a ninth member and strengthens its presence, particularly in Texas. This transition aligns with the university’s ambitions for competitive excellence and increased visibility in collegiate athletics.

San Marcos, Texas – Texas State University has received a formal invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, marking a significant shift in the university’s athletic landscape. The transition will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, allowing the Pac-12 to qualify as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference, crucial for maintaining its competitive stature within collegiate athletics.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents is scheduled to meet on Monday morning to officially accept the Pac-12’s invitation. In preparation for this move, the university has successfully negotiated a $5 million exit fee to depart from the Sun Belt Conference, a significant reduction from the $10 million fee that would have been applicable if they did not leave before July 1. This financial maneuver demonstrates Texas State’s strategic planning as it enters a new phase of competition.

With the addition of Texas State, the Pac-12 will welcome its ninth member, enhancing its roster to eight football-playing institutions. This move comes at a time when the Pac-12 was left with only two continuing members, Washington State and Oregon State, following multiple realignment events in prior years. Recently, the conference had added Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State from the Mountain West, as well as Gonzaga, which does not participate in football. The current addition of Texas State helps the Pac-12 meet the NCAA’s minimum requirement for football membership.

Texas State’s membership will not only strengthen football within the conference but also provide representation in Texas, further expanding the conference’s geographical footprint. The only other Pac-12 member located in Southern California will be San Diego State, differentiating the conference’s presence in major recruiting markets.

The university’s football program has recently shown promise, with coach G.J. Kinne steering the Bobcats to back-to-back seasons of 8-5 and appearances in the First Responder Bowl. Conversely, the Texas State basketball program faces challenges, having not reached the NCAA Tournament since 1997 and finishing last season with a record of 16-16, including 9-9 in the Sun Belt.

While San Diego State and Texas State have never faced each other in football, they have history in bowl games such as the Frisco Bowl and Armed Forces Bowl, signifying the potential for future competition. In basketball, San Diego State holds a competitive edge with a 2-1 series advantage over Texas State.

The announcement of Texas State’s transition comes amid a broader period of restructuring in college athletics, prompted by the need to enhance competitiveness and visibility among various conferences. Texas State, having transitioned from Division II to Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and experienced an enrollment growth to approximately 40,000 students, positions itself as a leading contender in this new hierarchy.

Significant investments in both athletics and infrastructure at Texas State, including a recent $37 million renovation of its football performance center, reflect the university’s commitment to elevating its athletic programs. Leadership at Texas State seeks to leverage membership in the Pac-12 not just as participation but as a crucial opportunity to foster competitive excellence.

Texas State President Kelly Damphousse indicated that joining the Pac-12 aligns with the university’s commitment to providing a rising national profile and upholding standards of excellence across its athletic programs. Alongside this sentiment, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed enthusiasm regarding the addition, reflecting on Texas State’s commitment to fostering a holistic college experience for its student-athletes.

The inclusion of Texas State in the Pac-12 is seen as a pivotal development, anticipated to enhance the conference’s profile and competitiveness in the landscape of collegiate sports moving forward.

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Texas State University Joins Pac-12 Conference

Additional Resources

• ESPN: PAC-12 Welcomes Texas State
• Wikipedia: Pac-12 Conference
• CBS Sports: Texas State to Join Pac-12
• Google Search: Texas State Pac-12
• KXAN: Texas State Regents Consider Conference Change
• Google Scholar: Texas State University
• Statesman: Texas State Approves Buyout
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas State University
• Oregon Live: Texas State Gets Approval to Join Pac-12
• Google News: Texas State Pac-12