In a significant shift for both Texas State and the Pac-12, the Bobcats have officially joined the conference as its ninth member, a move that signals a new chapter for college athletics as we head toward 2026.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed her enthusiasm, declaring Texas State’s admission a foundational step for the remodeled league. “This is a new day in college sports,” she remarked, emphasizing the league’s commitment to aligning with the needs of student-athletes in today’s dynamic landscape.
The decision to join the Pac-12 required some financial maneuvering. Texas State’s board of regents approved a $5 million buyout from the Sun Belt Conference, paving the way for the transition. However, the Bobcats won’t be making the switch just yet; they’ll continue to compete in the Sun Belt until the conclusion of the 2025-26 athletic year before diving into Pac-12 competition in all sports for the 2026-27 season.
This move is strategic for the Pac-12, which is eager to shore up its football-playing membership. To maintain its status as an FBS conference, it needed to confirm at least eight member schools by the start of the 2026 season. The board of directors acted swiftly and unanimously to admit Texas State following the university’s formal request, joining an impressive roster that includes the likes of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Washington State in this rejuvenated conference.
Texas State President Kelly Damphousse heralded the occasion as “a historic moment” for the university, framing the transition as more than just an athletic decision. He spoke of it as a statement of the institution’s growing national stature and its dedication to excellence. “We’re ready to compete and collaborate with some of the most respected institutions in the country,” Damphousse noted, hinting at the opportunities that lie ahead.
Athletic Director Don Coryell echoed these sentiments, marking the transition as “a new era” for Texas State. Having been part of the Sun Belt since 2013 and making its FBS debut with a brief stint in the WAC in 2012, the Bobcats are gearing up for this exciting next step. “This historic moment belongs to our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students,” Coryell said, underscoring the collective pride and responsibility of this transition as they step into the role of the Pac-12’s flagship institution in Texas.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Pac-12 finalizing a five-year agreement with CBS for its media rights in football and men’s basketball, including access to the championship games for both sports. With additional media partners likely to be revealed soon, the Pac-12 is poised for a fresh beginning, and Texas State’s admission aligns perfectly with this vision, bolstering the conference’s profile and competitiveness.
Nestled in San Marcos, just a stone’s throw from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas State boasts a vibrant student body of more than 40,000, marking it as one of the largest public university enrollments in the U.S. As the Bobcats gear up for this exciting new chapter, fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how this move shapes the future of both the university and the Pac-12.
