Pac-12 returns to the football field with 8 teams following years of uncertainty

The Pac-12 Conference has returned to football following a period of uncertainty, with a roster of eight teams now competing. After a significant exodus in 2023, the conference welcomed six new football programs, including Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Utah State, Texas State, and Fresno State. Oregon State and Washington State are the only returning members, ensuring the conference's rich history and tradition are maintained.

A new television deal has been established, guaranteeing that every game will be broadcast on linear TV, making it accessible to the entire country. The Pac-12 will host a round-robin schedule followed by a "flex" game designed to bolster its College Football Playoff and bowl game prospects. This format ensures that every team will have four home games before the conference title game on December 4.

Boise State, entering its inaugural Pac-12 season, is favored to win the title after securing three consecutive Mountain West Conference championships. The team boasts a physical defense and returns key players such as quarterback Maddux Madsen and edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan. San Diego State, another strong contender, brings a formidable defense and the return of running back Lucky Sutton.

Fresno State, under new coach Matt Entz, presents one of the nation's best pass defenses and a robust running game, having made an immediate impact in its first season.

The Pac-12's new structure eliminates its automatic College Football Playoff bid, necessitating the implementation of "flex" games during the final week of the regular season. These non-conference matchups, determined a week before the games, will serve as a reassessment of the conference's standings. Utah State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Washington State have been assigned the task of hosting these crucial flex games.