Pac-12 Eyes Texas State as Latest Addition in Realignment Push

Talks between Texas State and the Pac-12 have reportedly intensified over the past 24 hours, signaling that the Bobcats could soon become the eighth full football-playing member of the restructured Pac-12. The move would help the Pac-12 meet the NCAA’s minimum requirement for FBS conference status, which mandates at least eight football-playing members

This potential addition comes on the heels of the Pac-12 finalizing a new media rights deal with CBS Sports, which has given the conference the financial clarity to resume expansion efforts. League commissioner Teresa Gould recently stated that the Pac-12 was ready to pivot back to membership strategy once media rights were secured.

The timing is critical: if Texas State accepts an offer before July 1, the school would owe a $5 million exit fee to the Sun Belt. After that date, the buyout doubles to $10 million

Texas State, which joined the FBS ranks in 2012 and the Sun Belt in 2013, has seen a resurgence under head coach G.J. Kinne, posting back-to-back 8–5 seasons. That momentum, combined with the Pac-12’s need for stability, makes the Bobcats a logical fit for the league’s next chapter.

If finalized, Texas State would join a new-look Pac-12 that already includes Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Utah State, Gonzaga (non-football), Oregon State, and Washington State — all set to officially compete under the Pac-12 banner starting in 2026.