Just shortly after the Pac-12 made the decision to add four more schools to their conference, they are looking to continue expanding. According to insider Brett McMurphy of The Action Network, the conference has added two more schools to its list of potential expansion.
The two schools include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Utah State.
“UNLV and Utah State are the top expansion targets for the Pac-12 if the league decides to add schools in its geographical footprint, sources told Action Network.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 1: Detail view of a Pac-12 logo on the field from an elevated position before the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium on December 1, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pac-12 could still expand.
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images
If the Pac-12 were to add both UNLV and Utah State, it would give them six former Mountain West schools in total. The conference just brought in the Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, and San Diego State Aztecs.
Currently, the Pac-12 stands with just two teams, the Washington State Cougars and Oregon State Beavers. Following a massive exodus of teams from the conference, the Pac-12 has been searching for ways to expand back to relevancy.
So far, the Pac-12 has stayed with teams on the West Coast but there has been talk about them expanding further into the United States. Schools such as Memphis, Tulane, the University of South Florida, and the University of Texas, San Antonio have all been rumored as potential options.
It remains to be seen what the Pac-12 will officially do but they are weighing their options. The interest in both UNLV and Utah State stems from a competitive nature as both programs have been gaining momentum across different sports.
If the Pac-12 does decide to invite UNLV, the Nevada Board of Regents would have to approve the move. However, they already play their home games at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the past Pac-12 Championship games so the pairing could make sense.
Utah State saw major success last season throughout their athletic department. For the first time in the school’s history, the Aggies saw their football team, men’s basketball team, women’s soccer team, and volleyball program all make the postseason.
Landing both of these teams may not seem like major home runs but for a conference that was left with nothing, it could be a win. The Pac-12 prides itself on being competitive throughout its history and both of these programs could help them get back on track.
