Multiple programs have asked to join the Pac-12 following Colorado departure

The Pac-12 has options available when it comes to expanding

Stop me if you have heard this before but the Pac-12 has programs interested in joining their conference, but the conference is focused on their media rights deal.

One thing you cannot criticize the Pac-12 for this past year is the fact that they are true to their word. Whether that is always the smartest decision, well, the conference is down to nine teams for 2024 and still has no media rights deal. With Colorado being the latest program to defect from the Pac-12, there have been many questions about the future of the conference with some analysts even saying they will no longer be a Power 5 conference moving forward.  

Regardless of what people think about the Pac-12, there is an avenue to survival for them. Like I previously mentioned, the conference is focused on securing a media rights deal first with expansion second in line as indicated in the conference's statement released on Thursday. However, even with that clear and questionable approach, there have still been a ton of teams interested in joining the conference according to insider Jim Williams. 

Here are some of the teams that have reportedly filled out paperwork with the hopes of joining the Pac-12.

San Diego State

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Somehow we are a year removed from USC and UCLA leaving the Pac-12. Even with the widespread belief that San Diego State is the perfect fit and their players were told they would be going to the Pac-12, they aren't members yet. 

SMU

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SMU remains as one of the top candidates for the Pac-12, and whenever expansion happens they are expected to get in. They are in one of the biggest markets in the country, and get the Pac-12 in the state of Texas. 

Colorado State

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With Colorado leaving the Pac-12, the case for their in-state rival can only be stronger. They bring back the Denver market for the Pac-12, which is a small consolation. 

UNLV

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At one point they were viewed as a long shot, but now with another departure and hints of more, UNLV may be sliding up the list.

Tulane

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The Green Wave were a hot name after their Cotton Bowl victory over USC, but it was the distance that seemed to be hurting them. I personally like their fit and potential, but who the Pac-12 still may not like the distance.

USF

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The definition of the worst thing they can say is no, as if Tulane was viewed as being too far it's hard to imagine cross-country trips from Seattle to Tampa. 

Memphis

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A program that is looking to make a jump to the Power 5, but appear to be further down the list for both the Pac-12 and Big 12. 

Boise State

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They were in the same boat as UNLV, but if the Pac-12 is eyeing further expansion past 12 teams one could really make a case for the Broncos.

Fresno State

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Academically Fresno State doesn't meet the standard of the Pac-12 like a handful of these schools, but taking a chance won't hurt. 

Tulsa

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To my knowledge Tulsa has not been linked to any Power 5 conference this entire past year, so seeing them as a team that applied comes as quite a surprise. Can't blame them for trying, but feels like a shot in the dark. 

Rice

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Rice has a better case than people realize when you consider they reside in Houston and also meet the academic standards of the Pac-12. They'd be a nice pairing with SMU in terms of travel, but on the field is where their case takes a hit.