In a modest office in San Ramon, California, Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould reflected on the conference's remarkable turnaround. Two years prior, she had asked 30 employees to stay despite uncertainty about the league's future. Now, those staff members helped rebuild the Pac-12 after realignment nearly destroyed it.

The new Pac-12 operates from 12% of its former San Francisco space, preserving assets while assembling eight football-playing schools: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, Texas State, plus returning members. Gonzaga competes in basketball.

Leaders position the conference as college football's strongest league outside the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC. They cite impressive metrics: a .537 winning percentage over five seasons (fourth nationally), six programs at .500 or better, and top-five rankings in ESPN's FPI, SP+, and other advanced metrics.

Gould emphasizes playoff access as the ultimate measure of success, aiming for regular College Football Playoff participation. The conference's Nov. 28 flex week games will serve as early evidence of its new identity as a '100-year-old startup.'