Pac‑12 Football Gets a Fresh Start in 2026

The Pac‑12 conference is stepping into a new era with a brand‑new lineup of teams for the 2026 season. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State and Texas State will join the league, boosting its membership from eight to twelve teams. Conference play kicks off on October 3, with every team facing the others once in a seven‑game round‑robin format. The last week of regular play will be flexible, allowing the conference to adjust matchups to give its best teams a chance at the College Football Playoff. Those games will count as non‑conference contests and won’t affect standings.The championship game falls on December 4 at the home stadium of the top seed, and it will be broadcast by CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Non‑conference matchups include exciting pairings such as Boise State vs. Oregon, Fresno State at USC, and Utah State facing Washington. The schedule also keeps home‑and‑home balance, ensuring each team plays a minimum of six home games and avoids repeating venues. This expansion reflects the Pac‑12’s ambition to grow its national profile, bringing new rivalries and fresh excitement for fans across the country.