Pac-12 Unveils Highly Anticipated 2026 Football Schedule
The Pac-12 Conference has announced its eagerly awaited 2026 football schedule, marking a new chapter for the league. Scheduled to commence on September 5, 2026, this exciting season will feature an eight-team lineup, including Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, Oregon State, and Washington State.
Key Features of the 2026 Pac-12 Football Schedule
Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season. “Today’s schedule release is a major milestone on our path to launch,” she stated. The schedule is designed to promote the conference’s strategic vision.
Regular Season Structure
- The season begins with a four-game non-conference schedule spanning Weeks 1-4 (September 5-26).
- A seven-game round-robin league play will take place over Weeks 5-12 (October 3 – November 21), with one bye week for each team.
- Week 13 (November 28) will feature a home-and-home flex matchup among all teams, treated as a non-conference contest for standings.
Final Week Matchups
The projected matchups for the concluding week include:
- Boise State at Utah State
- Texas State at Colorado State
- San Diego State at Fresno State
- Oregon State at Washington State
These matchups will be finalized just days before the games, ensuring adaptability for potential playoff considerations.
Notable Non-Conference Games
The first month will showcase significant non-conference clashes, with a total of 12 games scheduled against teams from major conferences such as the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC. Among the highlights:
- Texas Tech will face Oregon State on September 12.
- James Madison will visit San Diego State on September 19.
Pac-12 Football Championship Game
The inaugural championship game will occur on December 4, 2026, at the venue of the highest-seeded team. Fans can watch the game on CBS and Paramount+. This event underscores the new media partnerships established for this season.
Media Partnerships
The 2026 season will be broadcasted through new collaborations with CBS Sports, USA Network, and The CW. This partnership guarantees significant national coverage, ensuring every game is featured prominently across various platforms.
Pac-12’s Competitive Status
As the landscape of college football evolves, the new Pac-12 positions itself competitively. Recent data reveals:
- The league holds a fourth-best overall winning percentage of .537 over the past five seasons.
- It ranks fifth for average FPI ranking (78).
- 75% of future league members achieved bowl eligibility in 2025.
These statistics reflect the conference’s strength and potential as it transitions into the 2026 season. The future looks promising for the Pac-12’s new football era.
