Pac-12's student-athletes lost in the realignment shuffle
On Friday, the Pac-12 became a ghost town when Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Utah and Washington left the conference, whittling the "Conference of Champions" down to four members: Cal, Oregon State, Stanford and Washington State.
More than showing disregard for fans, the biggest and most devastating impact is on the four institutions left behind and their student-athletes. Stanford, for example, is arguably the best in the country in terms of its student-athlete achievements, but because the football program fell behind, none of that apparently matters.
Pac-12 members received $37M from their media rights deal in 2022. That money helps universities stay competitive in athletics and with the departing schools having more financial stability going forward, it will likely widen the gap between what they can offer compared to Cal, Oregon State, Stanford and Washington State.
But even the Cardinal aren't a guarantee to remain in the Pac-However-Many-Teams-It-Can-Get.
Late Friday, the school released a statement via social media which announced it was reviewing its available options.
Stanford might be best off as an independent until another conference decides to scratch its realignment itch.
That assumes the College Football Playoff Committee amends the 2024 expanded CFP playoff format that awards an automatic berth to six conference champions. If no changes are made, Stanford — and the rest of the Forgotten Four — have a reason to keep the conference intact.
The Pac-12 might receive a lifeline from the Mountain West Conference. Ross Dellenger reported late Friday that the conference is receptive to the idea of a merger.
A merger would make the most sense if the sides agree to use the Pac-12 brand (but without the inept leadership of George Kliavkoff). It will be the Bed Bath & Beyond of the college football world, but that's better than being the sport's Circuit City.
The four Pac-12 programs would likely be more competitive in football playing teams such as Wyoming, Colorado State and Hawai'i than Oregon, USC and Utah as well, making a playoff spot much more attainable.
The effect on other sports is murkier but it's difficult to imagine these moves are great for athletes at Oregon or Washington who have to travel across the country for volleyball and baseball games at Maryland and Rutgers, or for those at Cal and Stanford who will see dwindling resources as a result of the Pac-12's demise.
Regardless of what comes next, it's worth remembering how epically former conference commissioner Larry Scott fumbled a golden opportunity. The Pac-12 was on the brink of adding Oklahoma and Texas in 2011 before deciding not to expand. That move would have ensured the conference's long-term survival. Instead, it needs a reprieve from the Mountain West.
Of all the ghosts that populate the Pac-12, that one haunts the most.
More must-reads: