Report: Pac-12 expected to formally invite Texas State as member

The Pac-12 is continuing to rebuild its membership with its newest member expected to be Texas State, according to ESPN.
Per ESPN, Texas State officials have informed the Sun Belt Conference that the university is expecting an offer from the Pac-12 “in the near future.” While a formal offer has yet to be extended, Texas State could join the conference for the 2026-27 school year.
According to Texas open meeting laws, Texas State would need to put in a 72-hour notice to convene the board of regents, meaning that a formal conclusion to the process may not occur until Monday at the earliest.
While Texas State has long been considered a favorite to join the Pac-12, anticipation has ramped up this week as the university’s exit fee to join the conference would double from $5 million to $10 million on July 1. To avoid paying that lofty fee, Texas State’s invitation would need to come this week in time for formal board approval.
If it goes through, Texas State would become the new Pac-12’s eighth football school, which is the minimum for the league to be recognized as an official FBS conference. (Gonzaga will also join the Pac-12 but does not sponsor football.)
As it stands, the Pac-12 consists of holdover members Oregon State and Washington State as well as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State.