Texas State Set to Join Pac-12: What This Means for the Future of College Sports

Texas State University is on the brink of joining the Pac-12, and sources have confirmed that a board of regents meeting is scheduled for Monday to finalize the move. Officials have already notified Sun Belt representatives about their intention to accept the Pac-12’s invitation. This transition is set for the 2026-27 school year, impacting all sports programs.

The urgency lies in a critical decision: Texas State’s exit fee to the Pac-12 will jump from $5 million to $10 million after July 1. Hence, finalizing the board approval before then is essential to keep costs down.

The Pac-12 has been seeking an eighth football member to maintain its status as an FBS conference. Texas State is a prime choice, joining other teams like Oregon State, Washington State, and Boise State. With a student body exceeding 40,000, Texas State sits in a strategic location between Austin and San Antonio, two notable hubs in Texas.

The Bobcats have shown promise on the field, boasting back-to-back 8-5 seasons and two bowl victories under head coach G.J. Kinne. Their first game in the Pac-12 is lined up against Texas in 2026. This move not only reflects Texas State’s growing athletic potential but also solidifies the Pac-12’s foothold in Texas, a hotbed for college football.

A recent survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations indicated a surge in interest in football among Texas youth, further highlighting the regional significance of this decision. By joining the Pac-12, Texas State not only aims to uplift its reputation but also taps into a rich pipeline of talent from one of the nation’s most football-centric states.

The Austin Sports Journal was the first to break the news about Texas State’s progress toward embracing this new chapter in its athletic journey.



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