College Football Conference Realignment Reshapes Landscape for 2025 and 2026 Seasons

The college football landscape is onc again undergoing significant shifts as conference realignment takes center stage. Several FBS programs officially transitioned conferences on July 1, 2025, setting the stage for more changes, especially within the Pac-12. As the 2025 season approaches, Delaware and Missouri State are transitioning from the FCS to the FBS, joining Conference USA. This elevates the total FBS membership to 136 teams. Furthermore, UMass is ending its time as an independent team to rejoin the MAC, where it previously competed from 2012 to 2015.

Pac-12 Conference realignment: A New Era

The Pac-12 is the focal point of the latest realignment moves as it finalizes its membership after significant departures ^[1]. Following the exit of 10 teams before the 2024 season, including Arizona, arizona State, Cal, Colorado, oregon, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Washington, the conference is working to rebuild. The Pac-12, anchored by Oregon State and washington State, has made strategic additions to meet the eight-team minimum required to qualify as an FBS conference in 2026.

Texas State has officially announced its move from the Sun Belt to the Pac-12, becoming the sixth program to join before the 2026 season. The Bobcats will spend their final year in the Sun Belt this fall before joining Washington State, Oregon state, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno state, San Diego State, and Utah State in the revamped Pac-12. Gonzaga will also be a member, even though it does not have a football program.

Did You Know? The Pac-12 was originally founded in 1915 as the Pacific Coast Conference.

Conference Movement: 2025 and 2026

Here’s a breakdown of the FBS conference realignment moves scheduled for the next two seasons:

2025 Conference Changes

• Delaware: FCS ➡ FBS (Conference USA)
• Missouri State: FCS ➡ FBS (Conference USA)
• UMass: Independent ➡ MAC

2026 Conference Changes

• Boise State: Mountain West ➡ Pac-12
• Colorado State: Mountain West ➡ Pac-12
• fresno State: Mountain West ➡ Pac-12
• San Diego State: Mountain West ➡ Pac-12
• Utah State: Mountain west ➡ Pac-12
• Texas State: Sun Belt ➡ Pac-12
• Northern Illinois: MAC ➡ Mountain West
• UTEP: Conference USA ➡ Mountain West

While unconfirmed, brett McMurphy of On3 reported that Louisiana Tech is anticipated to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt, perhaps joining Louisiana and Louisiana-Monroe ^[2].

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official conference announcements for the most up-to-date information, as realignment plans can change quickly.

Impact of Conference Realignment

Conference realignment has a ripple effect across college football.These changes impact everything from team rivalries and media deals to recruiting strategies and revenue distribution. The shifting landscape forces programs to adapt and strategize for the future.

What are your thoughts on the latest conference realignment moves? How do you think it will impact your favourite team?

share your predictions and join the conversation in the comments below!