For decades, Fresno State has built its reputation as a program capable of competing with anyone, or any school. From victories over powerhouse programs like the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins, to its nationally recognized baseball team, Fresno State Athletics have long viewed themselves as someone worthy of a bigger stage. 

That stage officially arrives today: July 1. 

Fresno State begins its first academic year as a member of the Pac-12 Conference, alongside other Mountain West schools like Boise State, Colorado State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State in what conference officials hope will be the next chapter for one of college athletics’ most recognizable brands [The Bulldogs].

The move to the Pac-12 represents more than a new logo on schedules, t-shirts and broadcasts. It brings an increased national exposure to the school and teams, stronger and bigger recruiting options, new rivalries and the chance to compete for major championships in a conference carrying the Pac-12 name. 

The Bulldogs spent the last 14 years in the Mountain West Conference, winning multiple championships and also producing NFL-level talent while also consistently ranking among the Mountain West’s premier athletic departments. 

Today, Fresno State enters a conference featuring several familiar opponents at a significantly higher stake. 

The move is expected to increase television exposure, attract greater national attention to Fresno State Athletics and position the university alongside institutions that share similar athletic ambitions. 

For a program seeking a grander stage, the Pac-12 offers a new opportunity for the Bulldogs to prove just that.

Meet the New Pac-12

Colorado State

The Rams enter the Pac-12 with their football program looking to enter a new era under newly hired head coach Jim Mora. The team has had just one winning season since 2018 and won just two games last season, one of which a 49-21 win over the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament in three of the last five seasons.

The athletics program as a whole brings consistency into the resurrected Pac-12

Boise State 

No program has been a bigger Mountain West rival for Fresno State than Boise State. 

The Boise Broncos have become one of college football’s premier Group of Five programs, earning national rankings, major bowl appearances and a reputation for winning championships. Games between Fresno State and Boise State have routinely carried conference title implications such as the 2017 Mountain West Championship race.

The annual matchup is known as the Battle for the Milk Can, with the winning team taking home the traveling Milk Can Trophy. Introduced in 2005, the trophy symbolizes the dairy industries that are central to both California’s San Joaquin Valley and Idaho, two of the nation’s leading dairy-producing regions. The trophy is awarded only during regular-season meetings between the schools. 

Games between Fresno State and Boise State have routinely carried conference title implications, including the 2017 Mountain West Championship Game and the 2018 and 2022 conference championship meetings. With both programs now joining the Pac-12, the rivalry—and the Battle for the Milk Can—is expected to continue on an even bigger stage. 

Washington State 

Washington State remained committed to preserving the Pac-12 brand after the conference’s dramatic realignment. 

The Cougars bring decades of Power Five history, passionate fan support and strong football traditions. Pullman may be one of the conference’s most difficult road environments. 

Oregon State

The other team that stayed committed to the Pac-12, the Beavers baseball team brings a level of competition and College World Series experience not seen in many conferences. Beavers football was ranked inside the top 20 in 2023, but has won just seven games across the past two seasons.

The Men’s basketball program is hoping for a resurrection to their 1980s prowess as Justin Joyner was hired in March to lead the program.

Utah State 

Utah State joins Fresno State after years as a Mountain West rival. 

The Aggies have consistently fielded competitive football and basketball teams and are known for one of the most energetic home atmospheres in the West. 

Texas State

Texas State is the newest addition to the conference after officially accepting a Pac-12 invitation in 2025, expanding the league’s footprint into Texas.

The Bobcats have invested heavily in athletics in recent years, particularly football, where they have reached consecutive bowl games under head coach G.J. Kinne. Texas State gives the Pac-12 access to one of the nation’s most fertile recruiting grounds and opens the door for new recruiting opportunities and television exposure.

Dallas Baptist

Dallas Baptist joins the Pac-12 as an affiliate member in baseball, bringing one of the nation’s most consistent programs to the conference.

The Patriots have become a perennial NCAA Tournament team, regularly earning regional and super regional appearances while producing Major League Baseball talent. Their addition strengthens what has traditionally been one of college baseball’s premier conferences and will provide Fresno State with another nationally respected opponent each season.

San Diego State

San Diego State could become Fresno State’s closest geographic rival in the new conference. 

The Aztecs have emerged as one of the West Coast’s most successful athletic departments, highlighted by their 2023 men’s basketball national championship game appearance. With both schools recruiting throughout California, the rivalry could intensify in the Pac-12 era. Unlike Fresno State’s Battle for the MIlk Can with Boise State, the rivalry does not have an official name or trophy, but the schools have consistently competed for recruiting across California and have developed one of the conference’s most competitive matchups.

Gonzaga

Although Gonzaga does not sponsor football, the Bulldogs from Gonzaga have become one of the nation’s premier men’s basketball programs. 

Under longtime head coach Mark Few, Gonzaga has made multiple Final Four appearances, played for two national championships and has been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament for more than two decades. Its arrival immediately raises the level of Pac-12 men’s basketball, giving Fresno State the opportunity to compete against one of college basketball’s most respected programs every season.

Fresno State 

The Bulldogs enter the conference looking to establish themselves as immediate contenders. 

Athletic Director Garrett Klassy has repeatedly emphasized Fresno State’s commitment to competing at the highest level possible, and the Pac-12 move represents the largest step forward for the university’s athletic department in more than a decade. 

The new Pac-12 was assembled in phases following the conference’s dramatic realignment. Oregon State and Washington State remained the conference’s only members after the departures of 10 schools to the Big Ten, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024. 

Fresno State, Boise State, Colorado State and San Diego State accepted invitations to join the rebuilt Pac-12 beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Utah state followed one week later, accepting its invitation on Sept. 24, 2024. 

Players to watch in the new era

The Bulldogs will rely on several familiar faces as they begin Pac-12 competition. 

Senior nickelback Simeon Harris enters the season as one of the conference’s top defenders after leading the Mountain West in interceptions. His ball-hawking ability and experience could make him a candidate for All- Pac-12 honors.

Wide receiver Josiah Freeman is expected to play a major role in Fresno State’s offense after emerging as one of the team’s most explosive playmakers. 

After several difficult seasons, Fresno State fans hope the Pac-12 era marks the beginning of a resurgence. 

Former five-star recruit Baye Fall, whose size, athleticism and national profile have generated considerable excitement could be a new face to look out for in Bulldog basketball. 

Other new additions such as Quentin Rhymes and other transfer portal commits will also be critical as head coach Vance Walberg attempts to rebuild the program into a conference contender. 

The transition also presents new opportunities for Fresno State’s other athletic programs. Women’s volleyball, softball and women’s basketball will all compete against nationally recognized opponents, while baseball enters a conference that has historically produced some of the nation’s top programs.

Beginning today, Fresno State’s future will be written in the Pac-12.