3 G5 teams that could join Pac-12 expansion as conference realignment triggers after Texas State's move

Pac-12 expansion is a hot topic of conversation after most of its members departed as part of conference realignment before last season. As a result, only two teams remained in the league, Oregon State and Washington State. However, the conference is slated to make its full return at the start of the 2026 season.

In late June, it was announced that Texas State will join the Pac-12 following the conclusion of this coming season. It was the sixth school to be added to the conference, joining San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and Utah State.

Now that the Pac-12 is set to have eight members, it will be cleared to be an FBS conference in 2026. However, the league could still expand further. Here are three Group of Five teams that could join the Pac-12.

Pac-12 Expansion: Three G5 teams that could join the Pac-12

Looking at teams that could join the Pac-12, it is important to consider which appear poised for a step up in competition. These three schools have all succeeded in recent years and will likely be ready to compete with the other teams set to join the Pac-12.

#1 UTSA

When looking at G5 teams that could be considered for Pac-12 expansion, the UTSA Roadrunners need to be considered. The program has already been willing to move conferences, moving to the AAC from Conference USA after the 2022 season. As a result, the program does not have deep roots in its current conference.

Additionally, the Roadrunners have performed well in their first two seasons in the AAC. They have won their bowl game in both years.

#2 Tulane

The Tulane Green Wave is another team that could be considered for Pac-12 expansion. The school has been one of the strongest in the AAC over the past three seasons, winning nine games or more in all three. It even won a conference title in 2022.

Tulane had a new coach in 2024, bringing in Jon Sumrall, and another change could help the Green Wave elevate their program to the next level.

#3 Memphis

The Memphis Tigers have been in the AAC since 2013 after leaving Conference USA. After struggling in the first season, the Tigers have been one of the most consistent teams in the conference. They have won the last four bowl games they participated in and look ready for a step up in competition. As a result, they could be considered for Pac-12 expansion.

About the author

Alexander O'Reilly is a journalist at Sportskeeda from Kingston, Ontario with over seven years in the field at companies including SenShot, RVBlogger, Monarch Media, WordAgents, GSeC LLC, and IGC.

His favorite college team is Duke, and his favorite sporting memory was Duke winning March Madness in 2010. JJ Redick was Alex's favorite college player when he was young but more recently, Caleb Williams gets the nod. As the Chicago Bears are Alex's favorite NFL team, this was a perfect match.

Alex's proudest moment came when he was interviewed by a radio station in Ottawa on his opinion on recent moves by the Ottawa Senators, which gave him a confidence boost and the knowledge that he could succeed as a writer.

Aside from sports, Alex likes to spend his time playing games. He is also very passionate about running and strives to improve at the half and full marathon distances.

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