CFB insider alerts MWC dissolution amid 4 teams joining Pac-12 expansion to trigger new wave of conference realignment

The Pac-12 expansion has moved quickly after the moves earlier this month by Fresno State, Boise State, San Diego State and Colorado State to leave the Mountain West Conference. The four schools were the first to shift in what is turning out to be a whole new conference realignment scramble in college sports.

Just like the Pac-12 was stripped bare last year by the premier conferences, commissioner Teresa Gould's conference seems intent on returning the favor to the MWC.

According to Yahoo! Sports reporter Ross Dellenger, the Pac-12 expansion is eyeing a move for the UNLV Rebels after adding the Utah State Aggies on Monday in a surprising move that has left members like the Air Force Falcons uncertain over their future in the conference.

According to the report on Tuesday, the conference needed eight member signatures to secure their future, but on Monday, only seven programs signed the agreement and after the departure of the Aggies, the Falcons and the Rebels have since changed their stance.

Should nine members agree to it, the MWC would be powerless to stop its dissolution with programs free to move to other conferences without having to give a notice period or pay substantial exit fees.

Pac-12 expansion plan could be aided by MWC dissolution

The Pac-12 expansion plan hit a wall when two AAC members, the Tulane Green Wave and the Memphis Tigers — Gould's prime targets — opted to stay put.

The two teams along with South Florida and UTSA released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the AAC. This could turn out to be a small bump in the road for the Pac-12 expansion plan should the MWC dissolve.

The Pac-12 committed to help schools joining its rejuvenated conference to pay some of the hefty exit fees, and due to a pre-existing agreement and anti-poaching clause with the MWC, was on the hook for up to $111 million.

According to the MWC regulations, should nine members agree to dissolve the conference, there would be no exit fees which would benefit the Pac-12's expansion plan.

According to a report by college football insider John Canzano on Tuesday, Teresa Gould has her mind set on acquiring the UNLV Rebels from the MWC which would open up the Las Vegas market to her conference.

Should Air Force, Hawaii (football-only), Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV or Wyoming blink and not sign the new agreement, it could be party time for the Pac-12's plan.