Texas State is poised to make a monumental shift in college athletics, finalizing its move to the Pac-12, according to multiple sources confirmed to ESPN. The university is set to formally complete the process with a Board of Regents meeting scheduled for Monday, marking the culmination of months-long courtship. Texas State officials have begun notifying Sun Belt Conference representatives of their intention to accept the Pac-12’s invitation and are expected to finalize the agreement imminently. Industry insiders anticipate the official announcement will occur before Monday’s meeting, though the exact timing remains fluid. The timeline is heavily influenced by Texas state open meeting laws, which mandate a 72-hour notice period for Board of Regents meetings, necessitating the formal call on Friday to allow for the final meeting on Monday. This strategic move positions Texas State as the eighth football-playing member of the Pac-12, bolstering the conference’s roster alongside Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Utah State, and Fresno State. The addition of the Bobcats represents a significant strategic play for the Pac-12, particularly given Texas’s rich football landscape. The move comes at a crucial juncture, with the university’s exit fee, previously $5 million, doubling to $10 million, taking effect on July 1st. Securing the Pac-12 invitation this week is therefore paramount, allowing Texas State to avoid the increased cost and complete the transition. Texas State’s arrival is particularly important as the Pac-12 seeks to maintain operational viability as an FBS conference, requiring at least eight football-playing members. The Bobcats, boasting over 40,000 students and strategically located between Austin and San Antonio, have long been considered the frontrunner for this expansion. The university recently concluded back-to-back 8-5 football seasons, punctuated by bowl victories under head coach G.J. Kinne, demonstrating their competitive potential. The 2025 season kicks off with a game against Eastern Michigan, and the team's inaugural game as a Pac-12 member is slated for a challenging contest against Texas in 2026.

The Austin Sports Journal first reported this developing news, highlighting the urgency and strategic importance of this move. This expansion represents a bold step for Texas State, aligning them with a prominent conference and capitalizing on their recent success. The move underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics and the increasing influence of football programs in shaping conference dynamics. The addition of Texas State adds a unique element to the Pac-12, tapping into the state’s vast football fanbase and providing a valuable competitive edge. The university’s academic strength and student population further contribute to its value within the conference. Looking ahead, the Texas State Bobcats’ inclusion promises to be a significant storyline in college football, and the conference is poised to benefit from the team's talent and ambition. The university’s future within the Pac-12 remains to be seen, but this move undoubtedly establishes a strong foundation for continued growth and success. The strategic implications of this expansion are far-reaching, and the impact on the Pac-12 and the broader college football landscape will be closely monitored as the Bobcats embark on their new chapter.