San Diego state reportedly 'in play' to join Pac-12 in 2024

Despite the hefty buyout there may be a world where San Diego State joins the Pac-12

If San Diego State does eventually end up in the Pac-12 it will have to go down as one of the most difficult and grueling processes in recent memory.

The Aztecs were working with a hard deadline at the end of June to let their conference know they planned to leave for the 2024 season. However, while they did alert the Mountain West they were leaving, they did have to retreat back. The reason being was of course the fact that the Pac-12 did not yet have a media rights deal, so they didn't invite San Diego State to join the conference, despite the fact that players were being told the move was happening. 

Now San Diego State is still viewed as a legitimate candidate to join the Pac-12 at some point but many assumed the move would occur in 2025, as they will now have to pay over $30 million to leave for 2024. That may not be the case as indicated by Pac-12 insider John Canzano. 

According to Canzano, the move can still happen in time for the 2024 season.

On the expansion front, I am told by multiple sources that San Diego State is still in play for the 2024 Pac-12 football season. I find that very interesting. I’d pivoted to believing SMU was at the front of the line.

He continued saying:

The Aztecs would face a painful $34 million exit fee from the Mountain West Conference to make that happen. But I am told the Pac-12 may be willing to give an assist or provide some financial flexibility to SDSU on that front.

Even with all of the departures, Canzano also reported that the conference may only be looking to add a couple programs. So, even with the large number of applicants hoping to get in with schools such as Tulane and Boise State applying, the conference has yet to commit to considering the possibility of going beyond two which are presumed to be SDSU and SMU.