Remaining Pac-12 Schools Share Reactions to Conference Shake-Up

### Disappointment and Uncertainty for Remaining Pac-12 Schools

The Pac-12 conference has been dealt a severe blow with the recent exodus of five of its members to the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences. The departures of Oregon and Washington, both charter members of the conference, as well as Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah, have left the Pac-12 in a dire situation. The remaining four schools, Stanford, Washington State, Cal, and Oregon State, now face an uncertain future with no clear landing spot.

### A History of Defections and Bleak Outlook for the Pac-12

The Pac-12‘s struggle started over a year ago when USC and UCLA announced their departure to the Big Ten in 2024. This was followed by Colorado’s decision to return to the Big 12. These recent defections, however, have dealt a potential knockout blow to the conference. With more than half of the conference having defected within the last 13 months, and six of those within the past 10 days, the Pac-12 is in a downward spiral. The future of the remaining schools looks grim in the face of this bleak outlook.

### Unclear Future for Remaining Schools

Among the four remaining schools, Washington State and Oregon State have not been viewed as expansion candidates for existing Power Five conferences. Stanford and Cal, on the other hand, have been loosely linked to the Big Ten as potential expansion targets. However, no concrete steps have been taken in that direction. The Pac-12 released a statement expressing its commitment to secure the best future for the remaining schools, and reported meetings among the leadership of those institutions were held to determine the next steps.

### Reactions from Remaining Schools

Each of the four remaining schools has expressed disappointment over the recent realignment. Washington State’s president, Kirk Schulz, and athletic director, Pat Chun, released a joint statement expressing their disappointment but also stating that they were prepared for various scenarios moving forward. They emphasized the strong tradition, support from fans, and alumni as they navigate the uncertain future.

Stanford’s president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, and athletic director, Bernard Muir, released a joint statement as well, highlighting their commitment to analyze available options and make decisions that will benefit Stanford and their student-athletes. They expressed optimism about Stanford’s athletics future and their dedication to excellence in college athletics.

Cal, another charter member of the conference, made it clear that they are not passively watching the situation unfold. They are actively evaluating options to ensure the well-being of their student-athletes and the continued excellence of their intercollegiate athletics program. Cal’s leadership also expressed gratitude for the support of the campus community and the extended Cal Family during this challenging time.

Oregon State’s athletic director, Scott Barnes, was the most vocal about his frustration with the realignment moves. He expressed his anger and disappointment, stating that the decisions made by the departing schools have severely damaged the great history and tradition of the conference. Barnes also raised concerns about the impact on student-athletes, particularly the increased travel to the Eastern seaboard, and the harm that it may cause to the university and its athletes.

### Mitigating the Damage and Moving Forward

The Pac-12 faces a daunting task of rebuilding and finding a way forward in the wake of these defections. The remaining schools must work together to assess their options and make strategic decisions that will ensure the continued success of their athletic programs. It is crucial for them to focus on the well-being of their student-athletes and to make choices that align with their core values and commitments to excellence.

The uncertainty surrounding the Pac-12‘s future should serve as a wake-up call for the conference and its members. It highlights the need for a careful evaluation of the factors that have led to this situation, including financial considerations, geographic alignments, and overall conference stability. The remaining schools should take this opportunity to reflect on their place within the changing landscape of college athletics and proactively position themselves for future success.

### Conclusion

The recent defections from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten and Big 12 have left the remaining schools in a state of disappointment and uncertainty. The Pac-12 must now confront the reality of its diminished membership and work to secure the best future for its remaining schools. As they navigate these challenging times, the remaining schools must prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes and act strategically to ensure the continued excellence of their athletic programs. This realignment serves as a sobering reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics and the importance of adaptability and long-term planning.