The landscape of college athletics is in a constant state of flux, and the Pac-12 Conference is currently at the epicenter of significant transformation. As the 2026 academic year approaches, the question on everyone's mind is straightforward yet complex: what teams will be in the Pac-12 in 2026? The current alignment involves twelve members, but this number is poised for a dramatic shift due to a series of strategic moves and realignment events that have reshaped the Power Five conferences. Understanding the future of this storied league requires looking at the departing giants, the potential new arrivals, and the historical context that has brought the conference to this pivotal moment.
The Current Pac-12 Membership and the Wave of Departures
As it stands, the Pac-12 boasts a rich athletic heritage with members like the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, the University of California Berkeley (California), the University of Washington, and the University of Oregon. However, this roster is set to undergo a seismic change following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year. The exodus began when the University of California, Berkeley (California), the University of Washington, and the University of Oregon announced their departure to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This mass migration, driven by lucrative media rights deals and a desire for stable conference alliances, has fundamentally altered the trajectory of the Pac-12, leaving a void that needs to be filled to ensure the conference's long-term viability heading into 2026.
Key Schools Leaving After the 2024 Season
University of California, Berkeley (California)
University of Washington
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Stanford University
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
The departure of these established programs, particularly the Berkeley and Washington, creates a significant gap in the competitive and financial structure of the league. For the Pac-12 to survive and thrive in 2026, it must not only replace this lost prestige but also find a way to stabilize its footprint. The conference leadership has been actively pursuing a strategy of adding new members to rebuild a competitive schedule and secure its future relevance in the ever-evolving world of college sports.
Strategic Expansion: The Quest for New Members
To counteract the losses, the Pac-12 has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of expansion, targeting schools that can provide immediate athletic competitiveness and long-term geographic stability. The primary focus has been on the Group of Five conferences, with several high-profile candidates emerging. The most notable potential additions include the University of Colorado, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University (BYU). These schools bring with them passionate fanbases, strong athletic programs, and geographical proximity that aligns with the conference's historical footprint, making them ideal candidates to fill the void left by the departing powerhouses.
Potential Additions for 2026
University of Colorado: A former Big 12 member with a passionate fanbase and strong football program.
University of Utah: A consistent winner in the Mountain West with a growing national profile in football and basketball.
Brigham Young University (BYU): A prestigious academic institution with a massive national following and successful athletic programs.
University of Nevada, Reno: A Mountain West rival with a loyal following and competitive athletics.
Fresno State: A Mountain West powerhouse with a deep connection to the Central California region.
