One of the biggest current realignment storylines involves who the Pac-12 will add to reach the FBS minimum of eight football teams (Gonzaga doesn’t sponsor football) for its conference. The current structure comprises the two original Pac-12 programs (Oregon State and Washington), along with five Mountain West programs: San Diego State, Boise State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Colorado State, as well as Gonzaga from the WCC.

There have been some rumored options as to who would join next, including Memphis, Saint Mary’s, South Florida, and others from the AAC. But one appears to be close to getting the invite, as soon as this weekend.

The Texas State Bobcats are a sports program with potential in football, although their basketball history doesn’t suggest they’ll be an instant threat in the new Pac-12. They haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 1997, while going .500 or worse in the Sun Belt each of the last three years.

The Bobcats may benefit from a boost via conference realignment, but on paper, they’d be the worst basketball team in the Pac-12 going forward if this goes through. Of course, this is about getting a school to commit to maintaining its autobids in college sports.

Texas State’s potential is bolstered by its resources, and with a strong presence in the Lone Star State, it has access to numerous talented prospects in both football and basketball. It could benefit the Pac-12 to have a footprint in the state of Texas, too, long-term. 

It’s unlikely that the Pac-12 will stop at just Texas State, with the next couple of years being pivotal. Could Memphis be a future addition? Among the realistic options, the Tigers would be the big pickup, especially from a basketball standpoint. We’ll see what the next steps for the rebuilt conference will be.