The details
After 12 years, the board of regents at Texas State University System approved plans June 30 to withdraw Texas State University from the Sun Belt Conference and move the team to a different athletic conference. While the board did not specify, a news release confirmed the move was to the Pac-12 Conference.
Removal from the Sun Belt came with a $5 million withdrawal fee, according to meeting documents. TXST officials did not respond as of press time on the cost to join the Pac-12 Conference.
With the addition of TXST, Pac-12 will have eight football-playing schools, meeting the minimum requirements to join the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, the release states.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the new Pac-12,” Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said in the release. "We look forward to seeing the Bobcats’ future trajectory continue to shine big and bright.”
Diving in deeper
The 2026-27 lineup launching July 1, 2026, has several East Coast and Midwestern schools, including:
- Boise State University
- Colorado State University
- Fresno State University
- Gonzaga University
- Oregon State University
- San Diego State University
- Utah State University
- Washington State University
“This is a historic moment for TXST and Bobcat Athletics,” TXST President Kelly Damphousse said in the release. “Joining the Pac-12 is more than an athletic move—it is a declaration of our rising national profile, our commitment to excellence, and our readiness to compete and collaborate with some of the most respected institutions in the country.”
What they’re saying
The move to Pac-12 will allow for more visibility, better recruitment, enhanced student-athlete experiences and more, the news release states.
“This milestone offers an incredible opportunity to elevate our programs, compete at the highest level, and pursue excellence on a national stage,” Director of TXST Athletics Don Coryell said.
