Fresno State will be joining the Pac-12 conference beginning July 1, 2026.
The announcement was made early Thursday morning in reports from University Communications and Fresno State Athletics.
“This milestone reflects the strength of Bulldog athletics, the loyal following of the Red Wave, the excellence of our academic programs and the dynamic energy of our Valley,” said President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval in a campus-wide email from University Communications.
Along with the Bulldogs, Boise State, Colorado State and San Diego State will also become members of the conference.
Following the loss of 10 teams, the conference has been looking to rebuild with only two teams currently remaining: Washington State and Oregon State.
“Joining the Pac-12 Conference is a transformative moment for Fresno State,” said Athletic Director Garrett Klassy, ABC30 reported.
Fresno State has been part of the Mountain West Conference since July 1, 2012. However, it has been trying to join a Power Five conference for years.
Jiménez-Sandoval expressed his gratitude to the Mountain West Conference.
“We hold the Mountain West in the highest regard and sincerely appreciate the invaluable support and opportunities they have offered our institution and our student-athletes throughout our 12 years of membership and we look forward to our continued membership over this current season and next season,” he said in the email.
With the new additions to the conference, it will have six teams. However, to meet the minimum number of eight required for league membership under NCAA rules for the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) the conference will need to recruit at least two other teams.
Correction: Fresno State has been part of the Mountain West Conference since 2012.
