Pac-12 Looks to Mountain West for Membership Hope
College Football Power Struggle Shifts into Overdrive
Conference Considers Expansion Options Amidst Uncertainty
The Pac-12 Conference, a major college athletic conference in the United States, is reportedly exploring expansion options by looking into the potential addition of two Mountain West schools, Oregon State and Washington State.
This move comes as a result of the recent announcement by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024.
The Pac-12 has been proactive in seeking to preserve its status as a Power Five conference, which offers access to lucrative revenue streams and national recognition.
Mountain West Schools as Pac-12 Candidates
Oregon State and Washington State are considered potential candidates for Pac-12 membership due to their geographic proximity and athletic competitiveness.
Oregon State is located in Corvallis, Oregon, while Washington State University is in Pullman, Washington, both within the Pacific Northwest region.
Both schools have strong athletic programs, particularly in football, which is a key factor for Pac-12 membership.
Expansion Implications for Both Conferences
The addition of Oregon State and Washington State to the Pac-12 would have significant implications for both conferences.
For the Pac-12, it would help stabilize the conference by replacing the two departing schools and maintaining its geographic footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
For the Mountain West, it could weaken the conference by losing two of its most prominent members and potentially make it more vulnerable to further expansion by other conferences.
Uncertainty in the College Football Landscape
The Pac-12's expansion efforts highlight the ongoing uncertainty in the college football landscape.
With the rise of super conferences like the Big Ten and the SEC, smaller conferences like the Pac-12 are facing pressure to maintain their relevance and secure their financial future.
The potential addition of Oregon State and Washington State to the Pac-12 is just one example of how conferences are adapting to the changing dynamics of college athletics.
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