USF to Pac-12 update: Bulls reportedly decline major conference realignment invitation amid rumors of AAC dissolution
The University of South Florida Bulls have apparently said, "Thanks, but no thanks," to the Pac-12. Here's the rundown on USF and where they'll end up.
USF to Pac-12 Update
With only Washington State and Oregon State remaining, the Pac-12 seemed dissolved after being poached by several top conferences. But commissioner Teresa Gould recently added four new teams to the league, and the Pac-12 is aggressively shopping for other squads.
In fact, reports state the Pac-12 settled on the AAC as a potential shopping ground for new members. Possible AAC dissolution has even been discussed, but USF, Tulane and Memphis announced they intend to remain with their conference. That league is also looking to expand.
USF conference history
USF began as an independent team, joining the Sun Belt Conference in 1976. After 15 years there, USF jumped to the ill-fated Metro Conference, which merged with Conference USA in 1995. After a decade in that league, the Bulls moved to the Big East.
When the Big East ended in 2013, South Florida moved into the new American Athletic Conference, where it has remained. Much of USF's story is tied to football.
The school didn't have a CFB program until 1997, when it fielded a Division I-AA team. South Florida moved to Division I-A in 2001 as an independent before joining the Metro Conference in football in 2003.
Possible AAC dissolution
The AAC was primarily crafted from the remains of the Big East. However, several former Big East members found other homes. Louisville and Rutgers were only in the AAC for one year, and UConn left the league in 2020.
Cincinnati, Houston and UCF were then yanked from the AAC by the Big 12 after the massive realignment that saw them lose Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC. SMU also left to join the ACC.
Meanwhile, the AAC has added several new programs, including ECU, Tulane and Tulsa. The only original AAC members still in the league are USF, Memphis and Temple. The USF to Pac-12 update is accordingly significant for the league's history.
Rumors of AAC dissolution will continue as the Pac-12 hunts new members and other leagues look for potential replacements for teams they may lose. However, score round one for the AAC as the initial USF to Pac-12 update leaves the group intact.
What do you think about the USF to Pac-12 update and the future of the AAC? Share your thoughts and comments below in our comments section!