Exciting News: Texas State University Joins the Pac-12 Conference!

Today, the Pac-12 Conference welcomed Texas State University as a key member starting in the 2026-27 season. Texas State will join other foundational members like Boise State, Colorado State, and Gonzaga in this new chapter for the league, which officially launches on July 1, 2026. This means the Bobcats will compete in all sports at the conference level.

The move is significant not just for sports but also academically. With Texas State’s acceptance, the new Pac-12 will now include eight schools that play football and nine full members for all sports, meeting NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) standards.

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould emphasized the excitement around this new era, highlighting Texas State’s strong leadership and commitment to student-athlete success both on and off the field. She expressed confidence that the Bobcats would thrive in this competitive environment.

Texas State President Kelly Damphousse called this moment historic, reflecting the university’s growing national presence and dedication to excellence. He stated that joining the Pac-12 signals a leap forward for Texas State in terms of both athletics and academics.

Don Coryell, the university’s Athletic Director, shared similar sentiments, mentioning the incredible opportunities this membership brings for elevating their programs and engaging with a wider audience. He also thanked the Sun Belt Conference for their partnership over the years.

Texas State’s Rising Athletic Profile

Texas State has shown impressive growth in its athletics, particularly in football. Last year, the team was one of the best among the eight new Pac-12 football members. They ranked high in various performance metrics, including total offense, rushing, and passing stats. In fact, they were one of just 15 teams with bowl wins in the last two years. These achievements are especially noteworthy given they are occurring under the leadership of Head Coach GJ Kinne, marking the program’s first bowl appearances since moving to the FBS in 2012.

The Bobcats have also seen substantial increases in attendance, with a 25% rise last season. Recently, they opened a $37 million renovation of their football training facilities, showcasing their commitment to excellence.

Academically, Texas State is also making strides. Their athletics departments achieved one of their best Academic Progress Rate scores, indicating strong student performance. They are also investing heavily in facilities, with $149 million earmarked for athletic improvements since 2022.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the New Pac-12

The new Pac-12 is not just a leap for Texas State but also signifies an exciting future for the league. Recent statistics show that over the past four seasons, the Pac-12 has had a solid performance. For instance, 62.5% of its football programs were ranked in the College Football Playoff (CFP) Top 25.

In men’s basketball, the new Pac-12 has proven to be competitive as well, with seven of its programs making the NCAA Tournament since 2021, demonstrating the depth and talent within the league.

As Texas State and other schools prepare for this new chapter, the Pac-12’s tradition of excellence in academics and athletics continues to grow, promising an exciting future for all involved.

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