With the Big 12 adding Colorado, the Pac-12 Conference appears to be in desperation mode. USC and UCLA are leaving for the Big Ten and more conference realignment could make the conference dissolve. There are still teams in the Pac-12 that are currently looking for new places to play. Here are potential conferences for Remaining Pac-12 schools.
Related: 5 Potential Schools for Big 12 Expansion
Arizona has been rumored to be joining the Big 12 with Colorado. The move makes some sense given that the Big 12 wishes to be competitive in both football and basketball. As the best basketball conference in the country, they would be getting one of the premier brands in the sport.
Prediction: Big 12
Arizona State will likely get some attention from some of the conferences expanding. As one of the biggest schools by enrollment in the country, they have a lot of value, even if their football and basketball programs haven’t been great recently. The thing that makes the most sense right now is joining their in-state rivals and joining the Big 12 if invited. Baseball wouldn’t be a factor for most schools, but Arizona State having a great program helps.
Prediction: Big 12
Cal is one of the few schools that doesn’t have a clear path forward. They haven’t been rumored to join any of the conferences who are expanding in a major way. It seems like they should pair well with wherever Stanford moves. If the ACC wants a better television rights deal, adding Stanford can help with that, but it would likely require them bringing Cal along too. The geography of adding two schools on the West Coast to the ACC is a little crazy, but locations of schools doesn’t seem to matter for expansion anymore.
Prediction: ACC
Oregon has been rumored to join a few different conferences. Originally, it looked like they might join USC and UCLA in the Big Ten. The Big Ten said they were done expanding for the time being, which likely stems from them waiting until Notre Dame decides to join a conference. Now, the university is talking with the Big 12. Things are still up in the air for the Ducks, but a decision is likely to come soon. The Big Ten might be rethinking their stance and going to 18 teams soon. If they do that, Oregon is a sure thing.
Prediction: Big Ten
Oregon State looks like they could be on the outside looking in for conference realignment. Oregon will be joining the Big 12 or Big Ten and they don’t seem keen on vouching for their in-state rival. That may not even help their chances. Other realignment might need to take place before Oregon State gets moved to a new conference.
Prediction: What’s left of the Pac-12/Mountain West
Stanford is a unique school. They haven’t been heavily rumored in the talks for the Big Ten or Big 12. The university could stay in what is left of the Pac-12, but that may not help that much. Stanford could be looking at an odd fit for a conference. One conference that should be jumping all over adding them is the ACC. They are locked in a bad television rights deal and could be in danger of schools leaving if the Big Ten or SEC comes calling. Adding Stanford could help them get a better deal in the future and help give other schools incentive to stay in the conference.
Prediction: ACC
Utah was one of the newer members of the Pac-12, but they have certainly held their own in both football and basketball. If Oregon and Washington end up convincing the Big Ten to let them join, Utah will be a coveted school by other conferences. If their rivals, BYU, is willing to vote them in, they could be a good fit for the Big 12.
Prediction: Big 12
Washington is in a similar position to Oregon. They were rumored to be wanting a move to the Big Ten. When that shut down they were stuck in the Pac-12. Now they’ve made calls to the Big 12. If the Big Ten ends up adding Oregon and Notre Dame Still doesn’t want to join them, Washington makes a ton of sense from a brand perspective.
Prediction: Big Ten
Washington State and Oregon State are in similar situations. Conference aren’t lining up to invite them to their conference. It might take some more realignment before someone asks Washington State to join.
Prediction: What’s left of the Pac-12/Mountain West
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