Breaking down the timeline of the Pac-12's near miracle survival

The conference appeared to be trending in the right direction on Friday

While those in the middle and East parts of the United States had already gotten a start to their day, the West coast college football fans woke up to an onslaught of reports on Friday. 

After going to sleep on Thursday with the belief that the Pac-12's fate was all but decided, things appeared to change in a major way. The conference went from on their deathbed to dancing in the street, because there were countless reports indicating that the conference was on track to stick together.

Thanks to the app formerly known as Twitter, I have been able to assemble a timeline of what almost was, but is now not? 

Oregon and Washington not going to the Big Ten

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 6:28 AM (PT)

BREAKING: Oregon and Washington's exit from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten appears to have lost momentum overnight, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic: https://t.co/e2MZM1R2Qa

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 4, 2023

A move that would easily save the Pac-12, Oregon and Washington at this time were out on the Big Ten and back in on the Pac-12. 

Pac-12 has chance to sign Grant of Rights

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 6:45 AM (PT)

At last minute, Pac-12 may stay together & sign Grant of Rights. After Monday’s media rights offer, P12 held multiple zoom meetings this week. Arizona’s Bobby Robbins appeared fully committed to Pac-12 so much that one participant said: “If Arizona leaves, he should win an Oscar"

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 4, 2023

The Pac-12 even was generating buzz that their Grant of Rights would be signed, and Arizona was even viewed as loyal to the Pac-12 at this time. 

Oregon to the Big Ten becomes extremely unlikely

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 6:51 AM (PT)

Oregon are expected to stay in the Pac-12, barring an eleventh hour change. That could have the power to keep the league together, as Arizona has not finalized its deal with the Big 12.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

While at this time we knew that Oregon and Washington appeared to have pulled back on their Big Ten move, this report at this time reveals that it would take a miracle for the Big Ten to add them. Not to mention, optimism that Arizona would actually remain in the conference. 

Arizona's move to the Big 12 would be solo

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 6:54 AM (PT)

There is a very real chance that Arizona makes the decision to go alone.

— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) August 4, 2023

Arizona is now believed to still be heading to the Big 12, but when we all laid our heads on our pillows last night the belief was so were Arizona State and Utah. That appeared to change this morning for a split second as well. 

Pac-12 and ACC merger comes into play

Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 7:50 AM (PT)

Another one: There has been discussion of the Pac-12 and ACC saving each other through a merger.

— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) August 4, 2023

Two conferences that are both not having an ideal team with this wave of a realignment are now considering teaming up, with anonymous ACC AD even saying that college sports needs a conference out West.

Washington and Oregon to the Big Ten is back on

Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Time: 8:01 AM (PT)

Pac-12 unable to get Grant of Rights signed this morning & "nothing has changed" as far as Oregon & Washington joining Big Ten, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Ducks & Huskies still expected to be Big Ten bound when finances are worked out, sources said

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 4, 2023

With the hope that they'd be able to put pen to paper, the Pac-12 not only is unbaked to do so but appears on track to lose Oregon and Washington who within a couple hours are headed back to the Big Ten.  

Arizona State now back in Big 12 talks

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Time: 8:10 AM (PT)

Sources indicate to WildcatAuthority that Washington is very concerned with the Apple deal.

Arizona and Arizona State are still on track to join the Big 12.

ASU President Michael Crow is proving to be a stumbling block, but parties involved are confident it can be overcome.

— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) August 4, 2023

Just minutes after Arizona was thought to be going to the Big 12 alone, it appears that confidence in getting Arizona State to also join the Big 12 has risen dramatically.

Emergency Big Ten call

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Time: 8:17 PT (AM)

The word i'd use to describe the Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12 situation right now is chaotic.

I don't believe anything is done.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 4, 2023

At this time the Big Ten hosted an unscheduled meeting, with Associated Press writer Ralph Russo unclear if there was a vote happening or not for Oregon and Washington.