After being abandoned in last conference realignment, Oregon State and Washington State welcome a new-look Pac-12 in 2026. The conference now includes six new teams—Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, Colorado State, and Texas State—creating the best projected average SP+ rating of any Group of 6 conference.

The new Pac-12 promises competitive balance with Boise State as the projected favorite. Five games stand out, including Texas State at San Diego State and Fresno State at Washington State in the opening weekend. Four teams are within a touchdown of second place, making the race for the title game intriguing.

Top transfers include QB Caden Pinnick to Washington State and CB JeRico Washington Jr. to Boise State. Boise State returns quarterback Maddux Madsen and running backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, giving them the best continuity in the conference as they aim for their first Pac-12 title.