Mountain West and Pac-12 Face Off in College Football Realignment

Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences intensify their college football realignment battle as multiple schools switch alliances, impacting TV revenue, rivalries, and the College Football Playoff structure.

Introduction to the Realignment Shake-Up

The landscape of NCAA Division I football is undergoing seismic changes as the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences square off in a high-stakes realignment battle. Texas State’s recent addition as the Pac-12’s eighth full-time member marks a pivotal shift in the conference’s strategy to regain relevance in the Power Five hierarchy. Meanwhile, the Pac-12’s aggressive pursuit of Mountain West schools like Boise State and Colorado State has triggered a legal and financial showdown, with poaching penalties exceeding $100 million. As athletic departments weigh TV revenue, travel logistics, and playoff aspirations, the ripple effects of this college football realignment are reshaping schedules, rivalries, and the financial dynamics of FBS programs. This article unpacks the key developments, challenges, and long-term implications for both conferences and the broader NCAA ecosystem.

Texas State Bolsters Pac-12’s Foothold in Texas

Texas State University’s official entry into the Pac-12 as its eighth full-time member signals a strategic push by the conference to expand its footprint in football-rich Texas. The Bobcats, who posted 8-5 records in 2023 and 2024 with bowl victories in both seasons, have demonstrated recent competitiveness that aligns with the Pac-12’s goal of fielding a stronger football slate.

This move not only diversifies the Pac-12’s geographic reach but also positions the conference to tap into Texas’ massive college football market, home to rivalries like the Red River Showdown. However, Texas State’s inclusion raises questions about its readiness for the Power Five’s high-stakes environment. The school will need to invest heavily in facilities, coaching, and recruiting to keep pace with powerhouses like Oregon and Washington.

Mountain West Secures UTEP and Hawaii to Stabilize Membership

To counterbalance the Pac-12’s expansion, the Mountain West has added UTEP and Hawaii as full-time members by 2026, ensuring a minimum of eight teams required to maintain its FBS status. UTEP’s decision to leave Conference USA was driven by the allure of increased TV exposure and reduced travel, as the Miners’ 46,670-seat Sun Bowl Stadium offers a competitive home-field advantage. Hawaii’s proximity to existing Mountain West schools like Utah State and San Jose State also minimizes cross-country travel, a critical factor in scheduling efficiency.

These additions come as the Mountain West faces a talent drain, with five of its top programs (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, San Diego State) set to join the Pac-12 in 2026. While UTEP and Hawaii bring passionate fanbases and historical traditions, the conference must now identify replacement schools to maintain its competitive edge.

Financial and Legal Fallout of the Pac-12’s Expansion

The Pac-12’s aggressive pursuit of Mountain West teams has triggered a cascade of financial and legal consequences. The conference is poised to owe the Mountain West at least $55 million in “poaching penalties”, with an additional $17 million per school exit fee for the five departing members. This totals over $100 million in potential payouts, straining the Pac-12’s coffers even as it finalizes a new media deal projected to generate $4–10 million annually per school across platforms like ESPN, CBS, and The CW.

The Pac-12 has filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West, arguing that the poaching penalties violate antitrust laws. According to conference officials, the move to recruit Mountain West programs was a necessary step to remain viable in the college football realignment era, where TV revenue and playoff access dictate financial survival. The Mountain West, however, views the fees as a safeguard against destabilizing losses, emphasizing that its members deserve compensation for losing key contributors to the Pac-12’s coffers.

College Football Playoff Reforms Complicate Realignment Strategies

The College Football Playoff’s recent shift to a straight seeding format adds another layer of complexity to this realignment. Previously, the top four conference champions received automatic bids; now, the top four teams—regardless of conference affiliation—earn byes in the first round. This change reduces the incentive for college football realignment, as Power Five teams (Pac-12, SEC, Big Ten, etc.) will dominate the CFP due to their stronger schedules and historical brand equity.

Group of Five teams, including many from the Mountain West, now face a steeper climb to qualify. For example, Louisiana Tech (a potential Sun Belt addition) and UTEP would need to consistently outperform Power Five opponents to secure a playoff spot. Analysts suggest this could accelerate realignment, as schools seek to align with conferences that offer more frequent high-profile matchups.

The Race to Replace Departing Teams: Potential Expansion Targets

With the impending exodus of five Mountain West teams to the Pac-12, both conferences are scrambling to secure replacements. The Pac-12’s current list of potential additions includes UNLV, New Mexico, and UConn, though most Mountain West and American Athletic Conference (AAC) schools appear committed to their existing leagues. Conversely, the Mountain West is targeting Conference USA programs (e.g., UTEP) and FCS powerhouses like Montana, Montana State, and North Dakota State.

Key metrics guide these decisions:

• Athletic department revenue/expenses: Schools like Toledo and Rice outperformed the Mountain West average in attendance and AP rankings.
• Historical performance: Louisiana, Tulane, and Tulsa averaged 3.5 AP Top 25 appearances between 2018–2023, far exceeding the Mountain West’s 1.28 per team.
• Geographic proximity: Idaho and Sacramento State are 485–521 miles from average Pac-12 teams, closer than the current 596-mile average between Pac-12 campuses.

The Mountain West’s average distance between teams (1,248 miles) remains a challenge, but additions like Montana State and New Mexico State could reduce travel burdens.

New Rivalries and Revived Traditions on the Horizon

Realignment isn’t just about finances—it’s about fan engagement and on-field drama. The influx of new teams could reignite historic regional rivalries and introduce fresh matchups. For example:

• New Mexico State vs. UTEP: A long-dormant border battle between Texas and New Mexico.
• Montana vs. Montana State (Brawl of the Wild): A high-octane FCS rivalry that could bring added energy to the Mountain West.
• North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State (Dakota Marker): Another FCS showdown with a passionate fanbase.

The Pac-12, meanwhile, could see renewed interest in cross-state matchups like Texas State vs. TCU (if TCU remains in the Big 12) or Hawaii vs. Washington. These games not only boost TV ratings but also deepen fan loyalty by creating stakes in non-conference and early-season contests.

The Scheduling Alliance and Future Uncertainty

In a temporary compromise, the Pac-12’s remaining members—Oregon State and Washington State—have agreed to a 2024 scheduling alliance with the Mountain West. This partnership allows both conferences to maintain competitive schedules until at least 2026, when the Pac-12’s new members will officially join. However, the alliance doesn’t resolve the Pac-12’s long-term viability.

The conference’s future hinges on securing at least one more school to join its 2026 class, currently at seven teams. Without eight members, the Pac-12 risks losing its FBS eligibility and sliding into Division I basketball-only status. Meanwhile, the Mountain West must replace its departing teams while preserving its identity as a mid-major league with playoff ambitions.

FAQ: Understanding the Realignment Dynamics

What role does the College Football Playoff play in this realignment?

The CFP’s shift to straight seeding in 2024 has intensified competition between conferences. Group of Five teams, which rely on at-large bids based on strength of schedule, now face stricter criteria. This makes realignment more critical, as schools in weaker conferences struggle to generate the rankings needed for playoff contention. For instance, a team like South Dakota State, with a 26,269 average attendance, might need a Power Five affiliation to consistently draw high-ranked opponents.

Why are schools leaving the Mountain West for the Pac-12?

Financial incentives are the driving force. The Pac-12’s proposed media deal could pay schools $4–$10 million annually, compared to the Mountain West’s $3 million. For programs like Utah State, the revenue boost offsets increased travel costs. Additionally, joining the Pac-12 offers exposure to lucrative markets, such as the West Coast and Texas, which can enhance recruiting and branding.

How do poaching penalties work in NCAA realignment?

The Mountain West charges departing schools (and their new conferences) a “poaching penalty” to deter mid-major exoduses. These fees, which total $55 million plus $17 million per team, are designed to compensate the losing conference. The Pac-12 argues these penalties are anticompetitive, but the Mountain West frames them as a necessary measure to preserve competitiveness. Similar fees were imposed when the Big 12 poached Nebraska in 2011.

Can FCS schools realistically join the Mountain West?

The Mountain West has considered FCS powerhouses like North Dakota State and Montana State, which consistently draw crowds and perform in national rankings. While FCS schools are smaller in budget and stadium size, their fanbases and media appeal could justify the move. For example, Montana’s 26,269 average attendance (per 2023) rivals some FBS programs, making it an attractive candidate for the Mountain West.

What happens if the Pac-12 fails to secure eight teams?

The Pac-12 would risk losing its FBS status, which requires a minimum of eight members. This would force the conference to either merge with another league or relegate itself to Division I basketball-only status. The stakes are high, as the Pac-12’s media deal and playoff hopes depend on maintaining its football footprint.

Timeline of Key Realignment Events

Conclusion: A New Era for Pac-12 and Mountain West

The college football realignment saga between the Pac-12 and Mountain West highlights the evolving priorities of athletic departments: revenue, exposure, and playoff viability. While the Pac-12 aims to rebuild its roster with Texas State and Mountain West defectors, the Mountain West is pivoting to retain its identity through strategic additions like UTEP and FCS powerhouses. Both conferences must navigate legal hurdles, financial penalties, and the challenge of balancing geography with competitiveness.

As the 2026 transition looms, fans and analysts alike will watch how these moves reshape the NCAA sports landscape. For deeper insights into the Pac-12’s rebuilding efforts, read Pac-12 Realignment: Adding Texas State, Rebuilding, and Next Steps.