As the Pac-12 aims to bolster its lineup, Tulane and Memphis have emerged as potential candidates for expansion, according to reports from Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic. Sources reveal that the Pac-12 has shown "some interest" in adding Tulane and Memphis, both currently part of the AAC conference.

The Pac-12's pursuit of new additions comes on the heels of recent announcements that Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State will be joining the conference in the 2026-27 academic year. With Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah's departure to the Big 12, and Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington now part of the Big Ten, the Pac-12 currently only consists of Washington State and Oregon State.

In order to facilitate a complete schedule, Washington State and Oregon State have formed a partnership with the Mountain West Conference. As per ESPN's Kyle Bonagura, the four Mountain West schools joining the Pac-12 will be required to pay their current conference an exit fee of $18 million each. Additionally, the Pac-12 will compensate the Mountain West with over $40 million in poaching fees, as part of their scheduling agreement for the 2024 season.

Bonagura identifies Tulane and Memphis as "realistic" targets for the Pac-12, although these programs will need a clear understanding of the financial implications of leaving the AAC, a higher threshold than that faced by the four Mountain West schools.

The potential addition of Tulane and Memphis would be a significant move for the Pac-12, expanding its reach into the Southeast region of the United States. Tulane, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, boasts a strong academic reputation and a competitive football program. Memphis, situated in Memphis, Tennessee, has experienced success in both football and basketball, with a dedicated fan base.

While the interest from the Pac-12 indicates a desire for expansion, no official decisions have been made regarding the inclusion of Tulane and Memphis. As negotiations continue, financial considerations and the potential benefits each school could bring to the conference will likely play a pivotal role.

As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, the Pac-12's exploration of potential expansion targets is aligned with its commitment to strengthen its conference and remain competitive on a national level.