Two AAC Programs Emerge As Potential Targets For Pac 12 Expansion

Out of nowhere, a report came that the Pac-12 Conference is adding all of Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State in another expansion move.

The four Mountain West Conference schools are set to join the Pac-12 in 2026, with an official announcement coming any day.

The problem is that they need eight schools minimum to qualify as an FBS conference, as Brett McMurphy of The Action Network reported.

It remains to be seen which dominoes will fall next, but CBS Sports college football insider Dennis Dodd mentioned two AAC schools as potential options: Memphis and UTSA.

"Don't count on @StanfordFball and @CalFootball to fill out the new Pac-12 dance card," Dodd wrote.  "They're not likely to risk the legal wrath of the @theACC after playing only 2 games. Instead, think of AAC schools west of the Mississippi -- UTSA, Memphis. Also, a source tells me the remaining MWC could scatter to the four winds instead of re-trenching."

As the Pac-12 dominoes begin to fall, it will be worth watching to see what happens next.

However, Dodd lists Memphis and UTSA as possible options.

Both programs had strong 2023 campaigns, with Memphis going 10-3 and UTSA finishing 9-4.

Moreover, the two programs playing a schedule that includes Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Washington State and Oregon State would be something to watch altogether in both basketball and football.

Nonetheless, the Pac-12 expansion news came out of nowhere, and once again, the domino effect of conference realignment is going to begin.

Related: Pac-12 Gives Major Update on Conference Rebuild Plans