The Pac-12 takes steps toward survival by recruiting Mountain West schools

The GIST: Yesterday, Yahoo! Sports reported that the Pac-12, which collapsed in last year’s realignment wave and currently operates as a shell of a conference, might survive after all. Never back down, never what?

The details: After the offseason’s mass exodus, the Pac-12 — or more fittingly, the Pac-2 — has two years to rebuild to the NCAA–mandated eight-school minimum or face extinction. This week, they reportedly made major progress: Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State are rumored to be joining the Pac from the Group of Five’s Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 2026.

• If true, these moves will set off another realignment chain reaction as the MWC scrambles to replace the deserters. And since the Pac-12 still needs at least two more schools, their likely next target, the West Coast Conference, is bracing for impact.

Zooming out: Even if the rebuild is successful, the old Pac-12 is gone forever — slapping the Conference of Champions’ logo on a bunch of Group of Five teams does not instantly make them Power conference–caliber programs.

• That said, in an era where money and media exposure are essential building blocks of elite athletic departments, copping the Pac-12’s former clout could accelerate their ascent.

This weekend’s protected rivalries: Thanks to impeccable timing, the Pac-2’s football teams — the Washington State Cougars and Oregon State Beavers — will face off tomorrow against the intrastate rivals that left them for dead. The Cougs will take on Washington in the Apple Cup at 3:30 p.m. ET, with No. 9 Oregon heading to OSU to fight over the Platypus Trophy at the same time.

• The latter is especially interesting, as Oregon entered the season with high hopes but failed to dominate lesser opponents in their first two wins. Put this one on upset watch — especially since it’s personal for the Beavs.