Best New Conference Fits for Pac-12 Teams if League Dissolves in Future

Uncertainty is the one word that best sums up the Pac-12 after Colorado left to join the Big 12 in this round of college football realignment and expansion. Losing the Buffaloes to the Big 12 isn't the knockout punch that could force the conference to dissolve. However, it's another setback for a league that has experienced a lot of them over the last couple of years. The loss of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten was the biggest one, but the Pac-12 continues to struggle to find an adequate media rights deal and another departure by a team - potentially Arizona? - could spell real trouble for 2024. 

Even if the Pac-12 survives and finds a solid media rights deal, the long-term future of this conference is in doubt. College football is poised for another round of expansion in the 2030s, especially once the ACC reaches the end of its grant of rights and television deals for the Big Ten and SEC expire. 

Considering all of the uncertainty surrounding the Pac-12, it's very likely the nine remaining members will all be playing in a different conference by 2024 or '35. What's the best conference home for the nine programs remaining in the Pac-12 if the league dissolves now or in the future? Athlon Sports examines each team and a potential landing spot: 

Best New Conference Fits for Pac-12 Teams if League Dissolves 

Arizona

Future Best Fit: Big 12

With Colorado officially in the fold, Arizona should be the Big 12's next target in expansion. The Wildcats are a strong geographic fit in the Big 12 and would add another big-time basketball presence to the conference. Even if the Pac-12 can find a way to make the media dollars work on a short-term basis, plenty of doubt remains about the long-term future of the conference. The Pac-12 might not dissolve this offseason. But Arizona might be tempted to make the jump right away. 

Related: Pac-12 Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2023

Arizona State

Future Best Fit: Big 12

Reuniting with Arizona in the Big 12 makes the most sense if the Pac-12 dissolves now or in the future. Arizona State does have the prestigious AAU membership, which could perhaps interest the Big Ten in some super conference scenario. 

Related: Pac-12 Expansion Candidates to Replace Colorado

California

Future Best Fit: Big Ten

The academics and another travel partner on the West Coast to join Stanford put California into consideration for the Big Ten. If the Big Ten isn't an option, would a supersized Big 12 or partnership with the ACC rank as the next possible landing spots?

Oregon

Future Best Fit: Big Ten

It's no secret Oregon and Washington want to get into the Big Ten. Adding the Ducks and Huskies add would give the Big Ten two more West Coast powers and strong brands to team with USC and UCLA.

An alternative scenario: Would the Ducks consider a jump to the Big 12 while it waits for Big Ten membership?

Related: Ranking All 133 College Football Teams for 2023

Oregon State

Future Best Fit: Mountain West/Big 12

Unfortunately, Oregon State and Washington State would be the biggest losers if the Pac-12 dissolves. The Big 12 would make the most logical sense, but the league may not want to expand past 16 teams. And of the remaining nine members of the Pac-12, any Big 12 expansion scenario puts the Beavers near the bottom of that list. 

Stanford

Future Best Fit: Big Ten

Adding a strong academic school would certainly appeal to the Big Ten presidents. If Stanford doesn't get a Big Ten invite, it would need to hope for an invite to an 18-team Big 12 with California. Otherwise, the options are limited and would extend to some sort of merger between the remaining Pac-12 teams and the ACC.

Related: Ranking the Pac-12 Coaches for 2023

Utah

Future Best Fit: Big 12

Landing the "Four Corner" schools - Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah - would be a dream scenario for the Big 12. Plus, getting the Utes in the Big 12 makes the Holy War against BYU a conference game once again. 

Washington

Future Best Fit: Big Ten

Whether it's after 2023 or into the 2030s, the Big Ten seems to be the long-term landing spot for Washington. And per the Action Network's Brett McMurphy, the Huskies and Oregon have already been "vetted and approved" for potential Big Ten membership.

Similar to what we mentioned above on Oregon, would Washington jump to the Big 12 now knowing the Big Ten is always an option down the road?

Related: Ranking the Pac-12 Coaches for 2023

Washington State

Future Best Fit: Mountain West/Big 12

Similar to Oregon State, Washington State would struggle to find a Power 5 home if the Pac-12 dissolves. A landing spot in the Mountain West with the Beavers would be the most likely place for the Cougars. The Big 12 would be the best fit from a Power 5 perspective. However, Washington State would need the Big 12 to think beyond 18 teams or so to jump on the radar for expansion. 

Podcast: What's Next for the Pac-12 in Expansion + Why Colorado Left for the Big 12 + A Complete 2023 Preview for the Pac-12