Texas State to join Pac-12 conference with 2026-27 season

Texas State students react to joining Pac-12

Texas State University is saying goodbye to the Sun Belt and saying hello to Pac-12!

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Texas State University is saying goodbye to the Sun Belt and saying hello to Pac-12!

Texas State joining Pac-12

What we know:

The Pac-12 Board of Directors announced its board, which includes all eight current and future members, voted unanimously to admit the Bobcats to the conference effective July 1, 2026.

Texas State says that the move will elevate the university’s visibility, strengthen recruitment efforts, enhance student-athlete experiences, and expand alumni engagement across the nation. 

It also aligns with TXST’s trajectory to become an R1 Carnegie-classified university by 2027.  

Texas State to join Pac-12 conference

Goodbye, Sun Belt, hello Pac-12! Texas State University says it will be switching conferences for the 2026-27 season.

What they're saying:

"We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the new Pac-12," said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. "It is a new day in college sports and the most opportune time to launch a new league that is positioned to succeed in today’s landscape with student-athletes in mind. Under great leadership from Dr. Kelly Damphousse, Don Coryell and excellent head coaches, Texas State has shown a commitment to competing and winning at the highest level as well as to providing student-athletes with a well-rounded college experience academically, athletically and socially. We look forward to seeing the Bobcats’ future trajectory continue to shine big and bright."  

"This is a historic moment for TXST and Bobcat Athletics," said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. "Joining the Pac-12 is more than an athletic move—it is a declaration of our rising national profile, our commitment to excellence, and our readiness to compete and collaborate with some of the most respected institutions in the country. Our acceptance into the Pac-12 affirms the strength of our academic vision, our commitment to providing access to a TXST degree, the momentum of our athletic programs, and the ambition that defines this institution."

"Texas State is thrilled to enter a new era in college athletics as the newest member of the Pac-12 Conference. This milestone offers an incredible opportunity to elevate our programs, compete at the highest level, and pursue excellence on a national stage," said Director of TXST Athletics Don Coryell. "This historic moment belongs to our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students, who we thank for making it possible. As the Pac-12’s flagship school in Texas, we proudly embrace the opportunity and responsibility that comes with it. We are grateful to Commissioner Teresa Gould, the Pac-12 leadership, and extend sincere thanks to the Sun Belt Conference for 12 years of partnership and growth. We look forward to tackling new challenges and reaching new heights as a foundational member of the new Pac-12."

The new Pac-12

Dig deeper:

Texas State will join Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State as nine foundational members of the new Pac-12, with the league’s official launch set for next year.

The Bobcats will be joining as a full member and will participate in all conference sports.

The new conference will have eight football-playing, all-sports members to meet NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) requirements and nine total full members across all other conference sports, including men’s and women’s basketball.

Students react

Local perspective:

The news brought a big cheer from students like Mia Flores.

"Oh, that’s awesome. I’m actually so happy for Texas State. I think they really deserve the recognition. It’s a great school and a great community. I feel like we definitely need some more team activities, especially a bigger name. I think it’s awesome, really," said Flores.

Bobcat senior Drake Parker noted the 12-year relationship with the Sun Belt was good for Texas State.

"I think the Sunbelt was a really good conference that has a lot of good SEC bounce backs, and they have a lot of coaches with SEC experience, but I think the PAC 12, now in basketball, like you get to play Gonzaga, and like San Diego St.  I feel that really raises us a level and then, like recruiting, you got California, the whole West Coast, so that will be exciting for baseball and football, more players that were going to be able to recruit, so I think it’s going to be big," said Parker.

Even students who are not totally into the sports scene, like Farrah Conrad, realize the invitation was a big deal.

"I go to some games. I think that sounds pretty cool," said Conrad.

The move to a bigger athletic stage with a brighter national spotlight could help with fundraising. It got a good review from Bobcat Bren Castillo.

"I think it’s great. I think it should get a bigger stage, like the Texas State theater. Texas State athletics are both one of the same. They’re super popular. The games go crazy. Everyone is there having a good time, so if that gets a good time and people watching the sport, yeah I think it’s great," said Castillo.