Pac-12 Explores Innovative Schedules Amid Conference Changes

The Pac-12 is actively considering a seven-game football schedule as it navigates a changing landscape in college athletics. With only eight member institutions, the conference faces a unique challenge in maximizing media partnerships and ensuring competitive balance during the season.

According to sources, the Pac-12’s media adviser, Octagon, has been tasked with exploring various scheduling scenarios. This could include innovative approaches to game distribution among multiple media partners, where each network could broadcast one game weekly during conference play, provided teams are not idle. While this may seem unconventional, experts suggest that flexibility is essential in a rapidly evolving sports environment.

The Pac-12 has already established that its football-playing members will pursue a minimum of games to market. The current options include potentially expanding to nine members or implementing home-and-home series, similar to what Washington State and Oregon State plan for 2025. Notably, there is speculation that a seven-game round-robin schedule could emerge as a viable solution, as noted by an industry source who remarked that “a seven-game schedule could end up being a plus.”

This perspective raises questions about the overall structure of college football. As the Big Ten and SEC consider annual crossover series and more conference games, the Pac-12 must adapt its strategy to remain relevant. Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini indicated that should the SEC increase its conference games, it may lead to cancellations of existing matchups. This shift could create opportunities for Pac-12 teams to fill scheduling gaps, leveraging the flexibility to play five nonconference games.

Texas State’s Potential and the Pac-12’s Future

Another significant topic in the mailbag addresses the potential of Texas State as a future member of the Pac-12. With strong recruiting prospects and a commitment to athletic success, Texas State could dominate the conference in a manner similar to Boise State in the Mountain West. The university’s resources and location in a football-centric state provide it with a competitive edge.

Reports suggest that Texas State’s financial commitment to its football program is promising. In the context of revenue sharing and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, three of the top five spenders in college football are based in Texas. Although Texas State’s history does not match that of larger programs, its advantages in recruiting and resources position it favorably within the Pac-12 landscape.

The conference also faces critical branding decisions. Should it embrace a “farm system” identity, serving as a developmental league for larger conferences, or strive to reclaim its status among major conferences? While some argue that adopting a developmental role could dilute the Pac-12 brand, others see it as a strategic opportunity to define its position as the best of the remaining conferences.

The Challenge of Scheduling and Market Dynamics

Concerns have been raised about the viability of potential new members such as San Jose State. Despite its location in a major market, the university struggles to gain visibility and credibility in the competitive sports landscape. Attendance issues and lack of commitment to athletic success significantly hinder its prospects for joining the Pac-12.

In terms of scheduling, the Pac-12 could benefit from partnerships with other institutions, such as a potential football agreement with Sacramento State in 2026. However, the conference must navigate complexities regarding bowl eligibility and television value when considering FCS opponents.

As the Pac-12 prepares for the upcoming season, the rebuilding of its conference identity and scheduling flexibility will be crucial. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of the Pac-12 and its ability to adapt in a competitive college football landscape. The conference’s leadership, including Commissioner Teresa Gould, emphasizes the importance of positioning the Pac-12 as a strong entity among college football’s elite, while exploring all options to maintain flexibility and competitiveness.