What Happened to the Pac-12? An Overview of the Former Power Five Conference
The landscape of college sports has undergone significant changes due to conference realignment, leading to a shift in power and identity for many athletic programs. This wave of change has particularly impacted the Pac-12, a conference once known for its strong regional ties and competitive athletics.
Founded in December 1915 as the Pacific Coast Conference, the Pac-12 grew from an initial group of four teams to encompass 12 by 2010, with the inclusion of Colorado and Utah. However, the 2024-25 college athletic season will see the Pac-12 reduced to just two remaining teams, signaling a dramatic shift in its status.
Does the Pac-12 Still Exist?
Yes, the Pac-12 still exists, but it has been drastically diminished. With only two programs left, it might be more aptly named the “Pac-2.” For the 2024-25 season, the Pac-12 will sponsor five sports: baseball, football, track and field, women’s gymnastics, and wrestling.
Which Schools Remain in the Pac-12?
The only two schools left in the Pac-12 are the Oregon State Beavers and the Washington State Cougars. Both have deep roots in the conference’s history. Oregon State, one of the original members when the conference was founded as the Pacific Coast Conference, was known as Oregon Agricultural College at that time. Washington State joined in 1917 when it was known as Washington State College.
Starting in 2024, Oregon State and Washington State will compete in 12 sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, golf, and more, as affiliate members of the West Coast Conference. Additionally, Washington State will participate in baseball and women’s swimming within the Mountain West Conference, while Oregon State’s men’s rowing team will compete in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA).
Which Schools Left the Pac-12?
The Pac-12 has seen an exodus of its member schools, with many moving to other major conferences:
- Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington have joined the Big Ten.
- Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah have moved to the Big 12.
- Cal and Stanford have transitioned to the ACC.
This realignment has left the Pac-12 in a precarious position, reducing its influence in college athletics and challenging the identities of its remaining schools.
