Oregon State’s Future in College Football Conference Realignment: A Look at the Options and Possibilities

In the midst of the Pac-12’s major shakeup, Oregon State finds itself at a crossroads, considering various options for its future in college football. Despite the mass exodus of most Pac-12 teams, the Beavers had a solid season in 2023, finishing with an 8-5 record overall and a 5-4 record in the Pac-12, culminating in a Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame.

Oregon State’s athletic director, Scott Barnes, has expressed a desire to rebuild the Pac-12, but with only two teams remaining in the conference, the Beavers have entered into a scheduling partnership with the Mountain West. This alliance will see Oregon State and Washington State facing off against Mountain West teams in the upcoming season, with the possibility of further integration into the Mountain West conference in the future.

While the Mountain West seems like a logical fit for Oregon State, discussions about the team’s future have also included the possibility of joining other conferences such as the ACC or the Big 12. However, the likelihood of Oregon State moving to these conferences remains uncertain, with the Mountain West emerging as a more viable option.

In the midst of these conference realignment talks, legal battles have also played out, with Oregon State and Washington State securing control of the Pac-12 board after a series of court rulings. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Oregon State’s position in the Pac-12 and its potential moves to other conferences remain subjects of speculation and intrigue.

With the College Football Playoff undergoing changes and the future of the Pac-12 uncertain, Oregon State’s next steps will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory in the ever-evolving world of college football. Stay tuned for more updates on Oregon State’s conference alignment and the impact of these changes on the college football landscape.