Pac-12 expansion update: 3 AAC schools reportedly decline Pac-12 offer as CFB insider shares latest conference realignment news
The Pac-12 Conference is attempting to expand with conference realignment as they only have six programs. However, Action Network's Brett McMurphy reports that the Memphis Tigers, Tulane Green Wave and South Florida Bulls have declined offers to join the Pac-12 Conference and will instead remain with the American Athletic Conference.
This comes as a bit of a surprise, as it was anticipated that these schools would join and create an eastern portion of the Pac-12. Instead, the three schools are focused on staying with the AAC.
Additionally, the Air Force Falcons have taken their name out of consideration since McMurphy's tweet was posted. Rather than making the leap to the Pac-12, the Air Force Academy has decided to remain committed to the Mountain West Conference, where they are expected to sign a new grant of rights deal soon.
What does this mean for Pac-12 Conference expansion?
The Pac-12's expansion is not going to land the American Athletic Conference, so the focus is shifting to the West Coast of the United States.
The conference has already added the Boise State Broncos, Fresno State Bulldogs, Colorado State Rams and San Diego State Aztecs, set to join on July 1, 2026. However, that still does not bring the Pac-12 to the number of teams needed to be considered a conference by the NCAA, so they will continue to pursue more options.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are one of the biggest programs that have been rumored with the Pac-12 Conference expansion, but since they do not possess a college football program, they wouldn't fulfill the Pac-12's needs. Instead, we can expect some more West Coast schools to be targeted from Group of Five conferences.
To meet the NCAA's minimum requirements, the Pac-12 needs to add two more football programs. While discussions are reportedly happening, this is not something that happens overnight. It is crucial for the conference to finalize these additions soon so that they will be available for the 2026 college football season.