Texas State University to Join Pac-12 Conference

School prepares for major move, expects boost in revenue and competitiveness.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Texas State University is set to officially join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1 of this year, marking a significant shift for the school's athletics program. The move is expected to bring increased competition, better recruiting, and a substantial financial impact, according to the university's Director of Athletics Don Coryell.

Why it matters

The Pac-12 is considered one of the top five conferences in the country for both football and men's basketball, so this move represents a major opportunity for Texas State to elevate its athletic programs and profile. The university is home to over 40,000 students, making it one of the largest public institutions in the U.S., and this transition could help attract more attention and resources to the school.

The details

Texas State's Head Baseball Coach Steven Trout is excited about the increased level of competition the Pac-12 will bring, citing teams like Oregon State as examples of the quality of play the Spartans will face. Coryell says the university is expecting a "really large increase" in ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and licensing revenue as a result of the move. To capitalize on this, the school plans to invest heavily in its athletic programs to "win immediately" in the new conference.

  • Texas State will officially join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026.
  • The university has been "doing a lot of planning and prepping" for the transition, with a "foot in both leagues right now."

The players

Steven Trout

Head Baseball Coach at Texas State University.

Don Coryell

Director of Athletics at Texas State University.

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What they’re saying

“For us, it is a top five league in the country.”

— Steven Trout, Head Baseball Coach (KXAN)

“This is a big deal for us. We are going into a league that is going to be a top five football league, a top five men's basketball league — super competitive.”

— Don Coryell, Director of Athletics (KXAN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Texas State's move to the Pac-12 Conference represents a significant opportunity for the university to elevate its athletic programs and profile, with the potential for increased revenue, better recruiting, and more competitive play across multiple sports.