San Diego State University Joins Pac-12 Conference

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Illustration celebrating SDSU's new journey in the Pac-12 Conference.

News Summary

San Diego State University (SDSU) has announced its acceptance to join the Pac-12 Conference starting July 1, 2026. This move introduces new opportunities for the university, which has had a successful history in the Mountain West Conference. SDSU’s commitment to academic excellence and athletic achievements positions it well for growth in the new conference, enhancing its brand and student experience.

San Diego—San Diego State University (SDSU) has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, marking a significant transition for the university starting from July 1, 2026. The move positions SDSU among notable institutions such as Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, and Fresno State. The anticipated membership is expected to open the door to exciting new opportunities and partnerships for the university.

SDSU Director of Athletics John David Wicker expressed enthusiasm about the transition, emphasizing the vast potential for growth and development. The transition comes after 26 successful years as a founding member of the Mountain West Conference, where SDSU secured a remarkable record of 96 league titles in the sports they compete in.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre described the shift to the Pac-12 as a transformative moment for the university, foreseeing positive impacts on its brand, athletics, and overall student experience. The Pac-12 has long been recognized as a leader in intercollegiate athletics, with a history spanning over a century.

Athletic Achievements and Recognition

In the past year alone, SDSU has shown its prowess across various sports, capturing six Mountain West championships during the 2023-24 season. The championships highlighted SDSU’s strengths in women’s soccer, swimming and diving, men’s golf, women’s tennis, and softball, where they clinched both regular season and tournament titles. In addition, four SDSU athletes earned the title of conference player of the year in their respective sports, showcasing the high caliber of talent at the university.

This impressive athletic performance was complemented by coaching excellence, as three SDSU coaches were recognized as conference coaches of the year for their contributions to softball, swimming, and diving. The university’s track record in football and men’s basketball since the fall of 2010 is equally commendable, boasting a winning percentage of .727, the highest in the nation during that timeframe.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

SDSU also places a strong emphasis on academic success for its student-athletes. In April, 366 athletes were honored as scholar-athletes for maintaining a GPA of 3.20 or higher, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, exemplifying the university’s commitment to both athletic and academic achievement. Furthermore, 38 student-athletes achieved the prestigious Malik Award for obtaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Producing Professional Talent

The university has a proud history of producing professional athletes. Notable alumni include golfer Xander Schauffele, who claimed two major championships in 2024, and Shanieka Ricketts, a former NCAA track & field champion who earned a silver medal in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics. Their success further illustrates SDSU’s strong athletic programs and commitment to developing talent.

Future Expectations

As San Diego State prepares for its transition to the Pac-12, the university anticipates that joining this prominent conference will lead to enhanced visibility and financial growth. The decision aligns with the university’s strategic initiatives to elevate its athletic programs and provide students with an enriching and competitive college experience.

This membership transition is not just a change in league affiliation for SDSU but represents a significant evolution in the university’s athletic identity, setting the stage for future achievements within one of the most recognized brands in college sports.