The Pac-12 Conference essentially disbanded in 2024 after 10 of its 12 members left for other conferences. Only Oregon State and Washington State remained, leading some to call it the "Pac-2" at that time
. The departing teams joined other Power 5 conferences: USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington moved to the Big Ten; Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah joined the Big 12; and Cal and Stanford went to the ACC
. Since then, the Pac-12 has been attempting to rebuild. Starting in the 2026 season, the conference will add five schools from the Mountain West Conference-Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State-and Gonzaga from the West Coast Conference as a non-football member. This will bring the Pac-12's membership back up to eight teams, which is the minimum required by the NCAA to maintain conference viability and an automatic College Football Playoff berth
. The conference is no longer considered an autonomous Power 5 league, which reduces its influence on NCAA decisions and financial benefits from the College Football Playoff. Regaining that status remains uncertain. The Pac-12 also faces legal disputes related to member schools leaving and poaching penalties involving the Mountain West
. There are discussions about a possible merger or alliance with the Mountain West to stabilize the conference and preserve the Pac-12 name. However, the future remains in flux, and the two remaining original members, Oregon State and Washington State, continue to explore options to join other Power 5 conferences for better financial and competitive opportunities
. In summary, the Pac-12 is rebuilding from near collapse by adding Mountain West teams and seeking to reestablish itself as a viable conference, but it faces significant challenges in regaining its former status and influence
