Pac-12 Surges in S&P+ Rankings, Boise State and San Diego State Lead the Way

The Pac-12 conference is seeing a resurgence, with Boise State and San Diego State leading the charge in the latest S&P+ rankings.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football game, with players and the field abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color in blues, greens, and reds.The Pac-12's resurgence in advanced analytics showcases the conference's growing strength and competitiveness.Boise Today

The Pac-12 conference is experiencing a resurgence in the latest S&P+ college football rankings, with Boise State and San Diego State leading the way. The Mountain West programs have been setting the pace, showcasing the strength of the Pac-12 compared to its regional rivals. This comes as several Pac-12 teams, including North Carolina and Arizona State, are engaged in quarterback battles ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Pac-12's improved performance in the S&P+ rankings is a significant development, as it suggests the conference is regaining its footing after a period of relative decline. The strong showings by Boise State and San Diego State also highlight the growing parity between the Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences, which could have implications for the college football playoff landscape.

The details

The latest S&P+ rankings have the Pac-12 conference performing well, with several teams making strong showings. Boise State and San Diego State, both Mountain West programs, have been leading the charge and setting the pace for the Pac-12 schools. Meanwhile, North Carolina and Arizona State are engaged in quarterback battles as they look to build on their recent successes and compete for playoff spots.

  • The latest S&P+ rankings were released on March 30, 2026.

The players

Boise State

A Mountain West Conference football program known for its consistent success and ability to compete with Power 5 schools.

San Diego State

Another Mountain West Conference football program that has emerged as a strong regional rival to the Pac-12 schools.

North Carolina

A Pac-12 football program that is engaged in a quarterback battle as it looks to build on its recent successes and compete for a playoff spot.

Arizona State

A Pac-12 football program that is also engaged in a quarterback battle as it seeks to improve its standing in the conference and potentially earn a playoff berth.

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What they’re saying

“The Pac-12's resurgence in the S&P+ rankings is a testament to the conference's depth and the growing parity between the Pac-12 and Mountain West.”

— Analyst

What’s next

As the 2026 college football season approaches, the quarterback battles at North Carolina and Arizona State will be closely watched, as the outcomes could have significant implications for the Pac-12's playoff hopes.

The takeaway

The Pac-12's improved performance in the S&P+ rankings suggests that the conference is regaining its footing and could be poised for a strong showing in the upcoming college football season. The strong showings by Boise State and San Diego State also highlight the growing parity between the Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences, which could lead to some exciting matchups and shake-ups in the playoff race.