In the ongoing whirlwind of conference realignment, signs of change can come from unexpected sources. Recently, a seemingly innocent social media post sparked speculation about Texas State’s future in college athletics. The post, tied to an official visit to the Texas Longhorns, hinted at the possibility of Texas State joining the Pac-12, with rumors swirling about the school’s potential move after recent discussions.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with Texas State and the Pac-12, along with how it could affect the landscape of college sports.
Texas State’s Potential Move to the Pac-12
Texas State has become the front-runner for a Pac-12 invitation, according to multiple sources. The university, which has seen significant growth in recent years, is now in line to become the eighth football member of the Pac-12, a conference that’s currently facing some challenges.
The Pac-12 needs to add an eighth football member by the 2026 season to maintain its status as an FBS conference. With that looming deadline, Texas State has emerged as the preferred choice.
A social media post from Texas State President Kelly Damphousse, showing two beavers in the San Marcos River (a nod to Oregon State’s nickname, the Beavers), was widely interpreted as a subtle hint about Texas State joining the Pac-12. This was followed by a repost from Damphousse in early June, which reignited the conversation about the potential move.
It seems that Texas State is the leading candidate, with discussions in the Pac-12 highlighting the school’s strong enrollment numbers, leadership under Damphousse, and the rising performance of their football program under coach G.J. Kinne.
What Would Texas State Bring to the Pac-12?
Texas State is an attractive addition for the Pac-12 due to several factors. The school, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, has become a significant player in the Sun Belt Conference and has the potential to thrive at the FBS level.
The state’s rich talent pool and football potential make it an appealing option for the Pac-12, especially given the conference’s current financial struggles and need for stability.
The upcoming deadline for Texas State’s buyout in the Sun Belt (set to rise from $5 million to $10 million on July 1, 2023) adds urgency to the situation. The Pac-12 would be wise to extend an offer before the fee increases, solidifying the school as an integral member of the conference for the 2026 season.
Other Potential Realignment Moves
The realignment landscape remains fluid, and several other schools are also making moves. For example, Memphis is another key player, as the American Athletic Conference (AAC) school has long been eyed by various power conferences. Memphis has a strong basketball program and a competitive football team, but for now, it seems that the school may need to look for opportunities with the Pac-12 or possibly the Big East for certain sports.
Discussions around a football-only membership for Memphis in the Pac-12, while not fully formalized, have been mentioned, with the idea of the school remaining in the AAC for other sports like basketball.
Additionally, the Sun Belt is already preparing for the potential departure of Texas State by eyeing schools like Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky as replacements. Louisiana Tech, in particular, is seen as an ideal fit due to its regional rivalries and strong programs in baseball and softball, both valued by the Sun Belt.
The Domino Effect: What Happens Next?
As Texas State potentially prepares to join the Pac-12, other moves will likely follow. Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky are expected to be the top contenders to replace Texas State in the Sun Belt, with Louisiana Tech considered the favorite due to its proximity to other Sun Belt schools and its strong athletic traditions.
Meanwhile, Conference USA is also bracing for the possibility of losing a member, especially if Louisiana Tech decides to leave for the Sun Belt. The conference has already begun looking for potential replacements, with Tarleton State being a prime candidate due to its growing financial commitment to athletics.
The world of college conference realignment is always in flux, and Texas State’s potential move to the Pac-12 could set off a series of shifts that will have long-term effects on the Sun Belt, Conference USA, and possibly even the AAC. With an official decision from the Pac-12 expected in the coming weeks, all eyes are on Texas State and how its move could reshape the landscape of college sports.
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