The five Mountain West programs that make the best Pac-12 expansion targets

If the Pac-12 has a chance to expand they have some good programs in their backyard to choose from

The four leftover Pac-12 programs find themselves in a position that is all parts confusing, disappointing, but also intriguing in a sense.

Stanford is making a push to join a Power 5 conference, but if they don't end up getting invited it appears that Oliver Luck is putting in the work behind closed doors to figure out the best moves for the future of the Pac-12. One of the options on the table is expanding.

It gets a tad complicated, because unless the Mountain West programs are willing to pay the $34 million exit fee in order to join by 2024, the Pac-12 will have to add American Athletic programs first. I identified the five best candidates on Wednesday from the American, as they have three programs residing in a top-15 market in the country and also provide programs that can compete right away. While the Mountain West is closer to the footprint of what was the Pac-12, it doesn't mean they have as many great options.

That is why I decided to break down the five best Mountain West programs that make sense for Pac-12 expansion, while also including their market ranking and academic rankings according to US News.

 

Boise State

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TV Market rank: No. 98

University Ranking: No. 331-440

When you see those numbers you'll realize why Boise State has been repeatedly looked past in realignment moves in the past. However, the Pac-12 is on life support, and Boise State is one of the biggest brands at the Group of 5 level and even all of college football. It's not to say that they are up there with a school like Texas brand wise, but every fan is quite familiar with their past success. They are a competitive program that provides immediate depth to the conference.

UNLV

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TV Market rank: No. 40

University Ranking: No. 285

While the Big Ten is working on claiming Las Vegas for their title game, the Pac-12 can add the program that resides in the heart of Sin City. Their football program has been poor historically, but they offer a unique market that has become a sports hub. 

Fresno State

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TV Market rank: No. 53

University Ranking: No. 250

Fresno State has felt like a program on the outside looking in when it comes to Pac-12 expansion talks due to their academic standing. But, they are in a fairly decent sized market, and what they lack in those two things they make up for in the fact they are an ultra competitive program. They have four 10 win seasons in the last six years, and have even fared well against Pac-12 teams. This would be the time for them to make the jump. 

Colorado State

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TV Market rank: No. 16

University Ranking: No. 151

After losing out on the Denver market following the departure of the University of Colorado, the Pac-12 can gain it back. Obviously there really isn't much consolation in losing Deion Sanders, but Colorado State is a solid option. Football has been down, but basketball has made the tournament three times since 2012 and has won 20 or more games three times in the last four years. 

San Diego State

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TV Market rank: No. 30

University Ranking: No. 151

If San Diego State started sewing the Pac-12 patch on their uniform sometime in the past year I wouldn't be shocked. They were immediately the top candidate following USC and UCLA leaving, and that will likely remain true if the Pac-12 expands again. They have been really good in football with five 10 win seasons since 2015, and have made the NCAA Tournament in four of the last six years in basketball, including a national title appearance. They also get the Pac-12 back in Southern California.