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Interesting candidates for Pac-12 expansion

Pac-12 expansion could be around the corner
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The Pac-12 expansion talks have quieted way down over the past month or so, but in a recent interview with then USA TODAY Colorado's Chancellor may have hinted that the conference could soon be adding a few teams. 

Phil DiStefano discussed the top two candidates in San Diego State and SMU saying that expansion is dependent on the looming media rights deal, which he expressed is "getting close". The media rights saga has been one that has been hanging over the Pac-12 for months thanks to the fact that the Big 12 was not able to expand, but  secure a deal before the Pac-12.

The conference has since flirted with the likes of ESPN, Apple, Amazon, CW, and ION and are expected to assemble a deal that heavily relies on streaming. DiStefano also expressed confidence that despite the rumors and naysayers, the Pac-12 is expecting to land a deal that is better than both the ACC and Big 12.

However, the most intriguing part of what he discussed was the discussion aspect, as it still remains a mystery as to what the conference will end up doing. There have been murmurs of just adding two more teams to return to 12 programs, and there have also been rumors of the conference looking at adding four programs. At the end of the day the conference has a very distinct type of program they are looking for, one that values academics and is in a prominent market. A while back Colorado State was confirmed as the third possible candidate, but we have yet to learn who the master fourth candidate is.

In a recent mailbag over at The Mercury News expansion was discussed, and another team was suggested that sparked my interest. Here are the five teams that I think would be compelling targets for the Pac-12 to consider adding, not including San Diego State and SMU as they are viewed as next in line. It also won't include  Colorado State who was already confirmed as a candidate.


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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 08 UNLV Rebels runs onto the field  before the team's spring showcase scrimmage at Allegiant Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)