Pac-12 expansion: When is Colorado State joining Pac-12? Closer look at Rams' latest decision to leave MWC

The Colorado State Rams are one of four Mountain West teams who are joining the Pac-12. The announcement was made on Thursday, as the schools will join the Pac-12 for the 2026-27 academic school year.

On Thursday, the Pac-12 added Colorado State, Boise State, Fresno State and San Diego State. All four schools come from the Mountain West Conference, but the Pac-12 still needs to add two more schools to be a FBS league.

“For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics,” Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said. “We will continue to pursue bold cutting-edge opportunities for growth and progress, to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes.

"I am thankful to our board for their efforts to welcome Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University to the conference. An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today."

The Pac-12 had lost 10 members who joined the Big Ten, ACC and Big 12.

Colorado State issues statement after joining Pac-12

The Colorado State Rams and the three other Mountain West schools are expected to join the Pac-12 for the 2026-27 academic year.

According to ESPN's Kyle Bonagura, the Pac-12 will also help pay Colorado State and the other three schools exit fees from the MWC.

Colorado State Athletic Director John Weber issued a statement after the announcement, saying it was a monumental day for the school.

“These six institutions are committed to rebuilding the Pac-12 into an innovative, nimble, conference with sports programs which put student-athletes first, strive to compete at the highest level and deliver amazing fan experiences and compelling content,” Weber said.

“This is a historic, transformative moment for CSU and a massive opportunity for our student-athletes. Joining the Pac-12 is an important step forward as we seek to deliver on an ambitious vision for the future of Ram Athletics.”

Colorado State has been in the Mountain West since 1999.

The Rams are currently 1-1 in the 2024 college football, as their lone loss was a 52-0 blowout defeat to Texas on the road.