Texas State University Joins the Pac-12 Conference

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Students enjoying the vibrant campus of Texas State University amid the upcoming transition to the Pac-12 Conference.

News Summary

Texas State University will join the Pac-12 Conference as a full member starting July 1, 2026, leaving the Sun Belt Conference behind. This transition is part of the university’s strategy to enhance its competitiveness in collegiate athletics, backed by significant investments in its athletic programs. With an expanding student body and recent successes in football, Texas State is set to bolster the Pac-12 alongside other institutions, ensuring a stronger future for the conference.

San Marcos, Texas – Texas State University will officially join the Pac-12 Conference as a full member beginning July 1, 2026. This announcement follows a Board of Regents meeting and marks a significant transition for the university as it leaves the Sun Belt Conference.

The inclusion of Texas State ensures that the Pac-12 will maintain its status as a competitive FBS conference, now featuring eight football-playing members. The university boasts a student population of approximately 40,678, making it one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas.

Texas State’s entry into the Pac-12 comes as the university undertakes significant investments in its athletic programs. With an annual athletic budget of $47 million, Texas State has historically operated with the smallest budget among the Pac-12’s football-playing members. This budget is notably about half of that of San Diego State University, which is also set to join the conference.

In recent years, the Texas State Bobcats football team has seen a remarkable turnaround, achieving back-to-back bowl game appearances under head coach G.J. Kinne, who took the reins in 2023. Prior to Kinne’s arrival, the team experienced eight consecutive losing seasons. Since then, Texas State has made impressive strides, winning five conference championships in the past academic year and reaching record attendance levels at games.

The university has committed to enhancing its athletic facilities, recently completing a $37 million renovation of its football performance center and investing a total of $149 million into athletic infrastructure since 2022. This progress reflects the university’s dedication to enhancing the competitiveness of its sports programs.

While Texas State was initially not among the top candidates for Pac-12 expansion amid significant shifts in college sports, the decision to join the conference has been strategically made. It was also driven by a desire to sidestep increasing exit fees from the Sun Belt Conference, which were set to double from $5 million to $10 million by July 1.

Looking ahead, Texas State anticipates significant growth, projecting enrollment to reach 50,000 students by 2033. This growth strategy includes plans for the construction of 30 new facilities on its main campus, further establishing its presence and capabilities as an educational institution.

Demographically, the university reflects a diverse student body, with about 40% of students identifying as Hispanic, which surpasses the 37% of white students. Texas State’s cultural significance and academic reputation are bolstered by its notable alumni, which include former President Lyndon B. Johnson, Major League Baseball MVP Paul Goldschmidt, Super Bowl champion Ricky Sanders, and country music star George Strait.

As of 2026, the Pac-12 will include a mix of institutions, such as Texas State, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Utah State, Oregon State, and Washington State. The inclusion of Texas State into the Pac-12 is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the conference’s future and maintain its viability in collegiate athletics.

The Pac-12 Commissioner has expressed enthusiasm over the addition of Texas State, highlighting the university’s commitment to competitive athletics and the overall success of its students. As the landscape of college sports evolves, this transition marks an exciting chapter for Texas State University and the Pac-12 Conference.