Impact of Pac-12 Teams Leaving Conference on Group of Five Leagues

The college sports landscape has been rocked by major changes in recent months, with most of the Pac-12 teams deciding to leave the conference. The departure of powerhouse programs like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington to the Big Ten, and Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to the Big 12, has left the Pac-12 with just two teams – Washington State and Oregon State, now dubbed the Pac-2.

The ripple effects of these moves are being felt across the Group of Five leagues, with the remaining Pac-12 teams facing limited options. However, there have been some interesting developments, with SMU, Stanford, and Cal set to join the ACC in 2024. Despite this move, these schools won’t receive full ACC revenue shares for nine years.

Oregon State and Washington State have made a temporary scheduling deal with the Mountain West, sparking speculation about a potential merger or eventual move to the conference. The Mountain West commissioner has reportedly pitched reasons why the two schools should join the league.

Additionally, there have been discussions about a promotion/relegation model for the Pac-12 and Mountain West, similar to European soccer. This model could see teams move up or down based on success, potentially including FCS teams in the mix.

The College Football Playoff is also undergoing changes, with a new 5+7 format that will see at least one Group of Five team make the playoff. This shift comes as the CFP adapts to the evolving landscape of college football.

Overall, the shifting dynamics in college sports are reshaping the landscape for both Power Five and Group of Five teams, with the potential for more changes on the horizon. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these developments play out in the coming seasons.