Texas State set to leave Sun Belt Conference and join the Pac-12
After weeks of speculation, Texas State approved a $5 million buyout that will allow the Bobcats to leave the Sun Belt Conference and join the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference in 2026, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The Bobcats have been a target for conference realignment for the past couple of seasons and previously turned down an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference.
With Texas State joining, the Pac-12 will have nine members in 2026, which will include Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno, San Diego State, Oregon State, Gonzaga, Washington State and Utah State.
The addition of the Bobcats will mark the eighth FBS football team in the conference, as Gonzaga does not field a football program.
Texas State joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 after leaving the Western Athletic Conference.
This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM.
