In a major shakeup for college football, the Pac-12 conference has announced the addition of four new teams to its lineup starting in 2026. Joining the ranks of Oregon State and Washington State will be Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. While these additions may not fully restore the conference's former glory, they certainly inject new energy into a conference that was struggling to stay afloat.

The departure of 10 legacy Pac-12 members to other conferences had left Oregon State and Washington State feeling abandoned and uncertain about their future. However, with the arrival of the new teams, both programs can breathe easier as their place in the revamped conference becomes clearer. It is expected that the Beavers and Cougars will be strong contenders for league titles on the football field.

Washington State's last share of a Pac-12 title came in 2002, while Oregon State's last share was in 2000. However, under the leadership of new head coach Trent Bray, Oregon State is poised to consistently compete for conference championships. The Beavers have experienced highs and lows in the past, reaching double-digit victories under renowned coaches such as Dennis Erickson, Mike Riley, and Jonathan Smith.

Similarly, Washington State showcased its potential under former coach Mike Leach, leading the Cougars to five consecutive bowl appearances from 2015 to 2019, including an impressive 11-2 season in 2018. While the program has seen some ups and downs since then, second-year coach Jake Dickert has the team off to a strong start in 2024, setting the stage for success in the revamped conference.

Boise State, a perennial powerhouse in the Group of Five football, brings a track record of success with them. Although their pinnacle came under coach Chris Petersen from 2006 to 2013, the Broncos continue to be a strong contender in the Mountain West Conference. With the resources and support to compete at the top, Boise State is poised to make a significant impact in the revamped Pac-12.

San Diego State, despite a disappointing 4-8 season under previous coach Brady Hoke, has the potential to reach Tier I status in the revamped conference. The Aztecs' 12-2 season in 2021, under coach Rocky Long, showcased their ability to consistently win under the right leadership. With first-year coach Sean Lewis at the helm, San Diego State has a chance to emerge as a top-tier program by 2026.

Fresno State, under the offensive-minded coaches Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer, has proven it can operate at a high level in the Mountain West Conference. The program's transition to a tougher league, coupled with interim coach Tim Skipper taking charge, may present challenges. However, Fresno State possesses the necessary ingredients for success in the revamped Pac-12.

Colorado State is a program seeking to regain consistent success after a few lackluster seasons. With their last bowl appearance in 2017 and no more than seven wins since 2014, the Rams have faced their fair share of struggles. However, under the leadership of third-year coach Jay Norvell, Colorado State aims to recapture the glory days of winning 10 or more games as they had from 1994 to 2002 under Sonny Lubick.

Looking beyond the current additions, potential future members such as Memphis, UTSA, Rice, and North Texas could further strengthen the revamped Pac-12. Memphis, with its strong NIL situation and overall stability, has enjoyed success under multiple coaches and offers a modernized stadium. UTSA's rise under coach Jeff Traylor makes them an attractive addition, while Rice faces challenges as an academic institution in the NIL era. Finally, North Texas is finding its footing in the AAC but would face an uphill battle in the more competitive Pac-12.

As the Pac-12 prepares for its revamped conference play in 2026, the addition of these teams promises to inject new life, competition, and excitement into the football landscape. With programs like Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, and San Diego State leading the charge, the conference is poised for a resurgence in national prominence, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and intense battles for conference supremacy on the gridiron.