A Texas School Becomes Favorite to Land in New-Look Pac-12

The next chapter in college football’s realignment saga appears to be unfolding, and Texas State is at the forefront.

According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, the Bobcats have become the “heavy favorite” to join the revamped Pac‑12 Conference as its eighth football-playing member ahead of the 2026-27 season.

WHY TEXAS STATE?

There are several reasons, but traditionally, money has always played a significant role. The buyout for Texas State to depart the Sun Belt increases from $5 million to $10 million on July 1, 2026, creating a strong incentive for a deal in the near future.

Pac‑12 leadership views Texas State as a key entry point into the lucrative Texas media and recruiting markets, bolstered by strong enrollment, infrastructure, and leadership in San Marcos.

In addition to the previous points, the Pac‑12 must field at least eight football programs to retain FBS status, and Texas State is the best immediate, realistic candidate.

The move to the Pac-12 would signal a massive wave of realignment at the Group of Five level, and with Texas State poised to depart, Louisiana Tech is reportedly next in line to fill the Sun Belt’s void. Then, Tarleton State is believed to be the top candidate to join C-USA in ensuing realignment moves.

Another program mentioned in Thamel’s report was Memphis, which remains in limbo, under consideration for a football‑only move to the Pac‑12 or a complete move to the Big East.

While it may not be a seismic change like that of Texas or Oklahoma joining the SEC, realignment is realignment!

The Bobcats are a textbook fit for the new-look Pac‑12: strategically located, financially supported, and competitively credible. With momentum building, an invitation could arrive at any time, marking a new wave of realignment that reshapes the nation’s conferences once more.