Texas State University Joins Pac-12 Conference

News Summary

Texas State University has announced its decision to join the Pac-12 Conference starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The move follows a $5 million buyout approved by the Board of Regents to exit the Sun Belt Conference. Texas State aims to enhance its competitive edge and recruit top talent from Texas, while also planning to expand its enrollment and facilities. The transition is seen as a significant step for the university and its athletic programs, creating new opportunities for growth and visibility in collegiate sports.

San Marcos, Texas – Texas State University has officially announced its decision to join the Pac-12 Conference, effective for the 2026-27 academic year. This significant move follows a vote by the Texas State Board of Regents to approve a $5 million buyout to exit the Sun Belt Conference. Urgency surrounded the decision, as failing to finalize the transfer by July 1, 2026, would have doubled the buyout fee to $10 million.

With this transition, Texas State will become the eighth football-playing member of the Pac-12, enabling the conference to maintain its status as an official FBS entity. The addition aligns with the Pac-12’s strategy to strengthen its brand and enhance competitiveness, specifically targeting Texas, a critical area known for producing top football talent.

Currently, Texas State is one of the largest universities in Texas, ranking as the seventh-largest with an enrollment of 40,678 students, including 36,206 undergraduates. The university recently faced a financial challenge, as its athletic department operated with a budget of $47 million in the last fiscal year, reporting a deficit of $3.4 million. A substantial portion of this budget—nearly 80%—is funded through institutional support, student fees, and donations, with students contributing $20.1 million alone.

The Texas State Bobcats football team has been performing notably well, recently qualifying for back-to-back bowl games and securing two consecutive wins under head coach G.J. Kinne. The university also boasts a successful athletic program, having recently won a championship in softball within the Sun Belt Conference and showing competitive strength in volleyball and baseball. However, the basketball team has not seen extensive success, with its last NCAA Tournament participation occurring in 1997.

Another interesting aspect of Texas State is its diverse student body, with approximately 40% of students identifying as Hispanic. The university’s president, Kelly Damphousse, stated that joining the Pac-12 is a testament to Texas State’s commitment to excellence and its growing presence on a national level.

This merger with the Pac-12 adds other notable institutions to the roster, such as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State, reinforcing a competitive lineup within the conference.

Texas State has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to increase its enrollment to 50,000 students by the year 2033. To support this growth, the university has also announced plans for the construction of 30 new facilities on campus, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the student experience and expanding its academic and athletic offerings.

The Pac-12’s commissioner, Teresa Gould, expressed positivity about Texas State’s integration into the conference, viewing it as part of a new chapter in collegiate athletics. As Texas State transitions to this more prestigious conference, stakeholders anticipate that the move will elevate the university’s profile and create new opportunities for both the institution and its athletic programs.

Overall, Texas State’s admission into the Pac-12 highlights a significant evolution in collegiate sports, demonstrating a strategic collaboration between regional powerhouses and a desire to enhance competition and visibility in the landscape of college athletics.

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Additional Resources

• ESPN: Pac-12 Welcomes Texas State
• Wikipedia: Texas State University
• KXAN: Texas State Regents Consider Conference Change
• Google Search: Texas State University Pac-12
• CBS Sports: Texas State to Join Pac-12
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pac-12 Conference
• SI: Texas Schools Board Approves Move to Pac-12
• Google News: Texas State University athletics