Texas State Joins the Pac-12: Power Five or Still a Step Behind?
By Keaton Hargett, FrontPorchSports.com
The Pac-12 dropped a surprise on June 30, 2025, adding Texas State University to its roster, effective 2026-27. The Bobcats, fresh off a $5 million exit from the Sun Belt, join Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (basketball only), Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Washington State. With eight football schools, the Pac-12 secures its FBS status. But the real question is: Does this move vault the Pac-12 back into the “Power Five” alongside the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC, or are they still stuck in Group of Five purgatory?
The Pac-12’s Rebuild
The Pac-12 was left for dead in 2023 after a mass exodus gutted the conference, leaving just Oregon State and Washington State. Commissioner Teresa Gould didn’t fold; she went on a recruiting spree, snagging five Mountain West schools and Gonzaga. Texas State, a rising Sun Belt program, rounds out the lineup. But is this enough to hang with the big boys?
Texas State’s Case
Texas State’s no slouch. With 40,000 students, a 30,000-seat stadium, and an 8-5 season in 2024 under coach G.J. Kinne, they’re a solid pickup. Their location near Austin and San Antonio gives the Pac-12 a toehold in Texas’ football-crazy market. But let’s be real: they’re not Texas or Texas A&M. The Pac-12’s got some juice with Boise State’s upset pedigree and San Diego State’s consistency, but Oregon State and Washington State aren’t exactly playoff regulars.
Power Five or Not?
So, does Texas State make the Pac-12 a Power Five contender? Here’s the breakdown:
Why They Could Be:
- Footprint: Texas State adds a Texas market, and San Diego State taps SoCal. That’s not nothing for TV deals.
- Playoff Shot: The 12-team playoff reserves a spot for the top five conference champs. A strong Boise State or San Diego State could sneak in.
- Momentum: The Pac-12’s rebuilding fast, and Texas State’s growth trajectory adds intrigue.
Why They’re Not There Yet:
- Brand Gap: The SEC has Georgia and Alabama; the Big Ten has Ohio State and Michigan. The Pac-12’s best name is Boise’s blue turf, and that’s not enough.
- Cash Flow: The SEC and Big Ten are printing money with billion-dollar media deals. The Pac-12’s still scraping by.
- Respect: The Pac-12’s been a punchline since realignment. Texas State’s a nice add, but it’s not moving the needle like a Clemson or Oklahoma.
The Takeaway
Texas State’s addition keeps the Pac-12 alive and gives it some Texas flair, but Power Five? Not quite. They’re more like a Power 4.5, with potential but a long way from matching the SEC or Big Ten’s clout. A fat TV deal and a few 10-win seasons could change the convo, but for now, they’re still knocking on the elite’s door.