Texas State University is making waves in the college sports landscape by officially joining the Pac-12, as announced on Monday. This move is significant, marking Texas State as the league’s ninth member ahead of its anticipated relaunch in 2026—an exciting development for fans and student-athletes alike.
Commissioner Teresa Gould celebrated the decision, sharing her enthusiasm for welcoming Texas State as a foundational member of the new-look Pac-12. “It is a new day in college sports,” Gould stated, emphasizing that this is the perfect moment to reestablish a league that prioritizes the needs of student-athletes in an ever-evolving landscape.
The Bobcats aren’t jumping ship recklessly; they’re playing the long game. Texas State’s board of regents recently authorized a $5 million buyout from the Sun Belt Conference, ensuring the school finishes out its tenure in the Sun Belt through the 2025-26 season before transitioning to the Pac-12 for all sports in 2026-27. This strategy not only underscores the Bobcats’ commitment to a smooth transition but also aligns them with a conference that showcases some of the best talent in the nation.
Importantly, the Pac-12 needed to secure at least eight football-playing institutions to maintain its status as an FBS conference ahead of the 2026 season. With Texas State’s admission, they join a competitive lineup including Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Washington State. This alignment further cements the Pac-12’s status as a powerhouse in the college sports realm.
Texas State President Kelly Damphousse reflected on this momentous occasion, calling it “a historic moment” that goes beyond just athletics. He articulated the move as a sign of the university’s rising national profile and commitment to excellence, all while preparing to compete alongside some of the nation’s most esteemed institutions.
Athletic Director Don Coryell echoed Damphousse’s sentiments, heralding the opportunity as the dawn of “a new era” for Texas State. Having been part of the Sun Belt since 2013 and making its FBS debut in 2012 with a brief stint in the WAC, Texas State is primed for this next chapter. “This historic moment belongs to our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students,” Coryell stated, with pride in claiming the role of the Pac-12’s flagship school in Texas.
All of this follows the Pac-12’s recent announcement of a five-year agreement with CBS to secure media rights for certain conference football and men’s basketball games, including championship action. As additional media partnerships are expected to unfold, this move paints a promising picture for the league and its new members.
Located in San Marcos, just a stone’s throw away from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas State boasts an impressive enrollment of over 40,000 students, ranking among the 25 largest public universities in the U.S. This demographic strength, coupled with its newly minted conference affiliation, positions Texas State as a formidable player in the college sports arena. With Texas schools now represented in the Pac-12, Big 12, SEC, and ACC, the landscape of college athletics in the state is shifting, opening up exciting possibilities for competition and collaboration.
