Can Washington State join Big 12? Looking at the latest conference realignment theories after Pac-12's collapse

Washington State is one of the two teams left in the Pac-12. The age-long conference imploded last summer after its leadership was unable to secure a lucrative media deal after months of negotiation. That saw eight schools join USC and UCLA on the way out of the conference.

As the Cougars continue to work toward a stable future in the collegiate athletic landscape, the latest realignment theories are linking them with the Big 12. The conference has added eight teams in the last two years and remains open to expansion if it’s worth it.

Nevertheless, Washington State is not considered a solid option for the Big 12 in its expansion plan. The conference doesn't seem to find value in any team left in the Pac-12 after adding the quartet of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah last summer.

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Washington State was turned down last summer

When the Big 12 was looking to lure away teams from the Pac-12 last season, Washington State was an available option, but the conference never gave it a consideration.

“Right now we’re done,” Yormark said last summer when asked about the possibility of further expansion. “We had a vision. We had a strategy, and, effectively, we’ve been able to execute it.

“Initially, I wasn’t sure if we’d go to 14 or 16. I think 16 was kind of a dream scenario, candidly. So from our perspective, our focus now is to integrate the four incoming schools as quickly as we can. Get them comfortable.”

The Big 12 is in a much more stable position in the college athletics landscape at the moment, and its expansion is focused on even more valuable candidates. The conference is trying several means to grow revenue, so only a value school will get consideration.

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Working toward a stable future in college athletics

Washington State is taking several steps to ensure it secures stability regarding its future in the world of collegiate athletics. The university is working alongside Oregon State to rebuild the Pac-12 and preserve its heritage.

"Fans need to know that we are leaving no stone unturned together," Schulz said following the implosion of the Pac-12. "WSU and OSU are aggressively pursuing all options.

“Staff from our two schools are meeting daily to explore alternatives and determine the best path forward. Let's be clear, WSU and OSU are in this situation not because of the quality of our athletic programs, but because of the size of our media markets."

The NCAA has granted the conference a two-year grace period to meet up with membership requirements. That will see the Pac-12 embark on an expansion process, which must be completed before the 2026-27 athletic year when the period of grace expires.