The Pac-12 is looking to continue as an FBS conference. The conference that was down to 2 members after seeing 10 programs leave for the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC has found new members to join in two years.

The conference has announced the additions of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State. With current members Oregon State and Washington State, the Pac-12 now has 6 schools on board for 2026. The Pac-12 will need at least 2 more members to be recognized as an FBS conference for 2026 and beyond, when the NCAA’s 2-year grace period expires.

News moved quickly on the expansion front. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports was first with the news that the Pac-12 was targeting the 4 new schools on Wednesday evening.

All 4 new Pac-12 schools come from the Mountain West. Per Dellenger, each Mountain West school is contractually bound to a $17 million exit fee. Additionally, the Pac-12 is on the hook for $10-12 million penalty for every school it acquires as part of a scheduling agreement the conference struck with the Mountain West.

The Yahoo report states that the Pac-12 presented its new members with a plan that features a new media rights agreement worth more than the MWC’s current or future television package. Dellenger adds that schools also see sponsorship potential with the Pac-12 brand.

Conference realignment often creates a domino effect. According to Dellenger, the Mountain West may look to schools looking to make the jump to the FBS ranks to replace the departing members.

After the Pac-12 saw 10 of its members leave, the College Football Playoff modified its 12-team format from the top 6 conference champions and 6 at-large bids to 5 conference champions and 7 at-large bids. As a 2-team conference, the Pac-12’s champion does not currently qualify for an automatic bid. If the Pac-12 can get to 8 by 2026, the conference would be in the mix for an auto-bid again.