Ranking the top five Pac-12 expansion candidates after Colorado's move to the Big 12

Expanding is no longer just something to think about for the Pac-12

The Pac-12 has been on the struggle bus for the past year in a multitude of ways whether it be losing USC and UCLA, rejecting Big 12 programs, and struggling to nail down a media rights deal.

Things appeared to get worse this past week, as Colorado decided that they had waited far too long for the media right number and chose to leave for the Big 12. Now, the conference that once had Big 12 programs pleading for them to join following Texas and Oklahoma leaving for the SEC, needs a floatation device thrown their way.

With the conference down to nine schools in 2024 and at risk of losing one more to the Big 12, expansion has become that much more important for their survival. Even if the conference is still working on getting a deal first, there can no longer be a divide on expansion. Something we learned was an issue following Pac-12 media day when Oregon and one other school were viewed as being opposed to expanding. 

There have been plenty of applicants to join the conference as we learned over the past couple days, but not all of them will get the nod. Here are the five programs that make the most sense for the Pac-12 to add.

5. UNLV

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While UNLV resides in a better market than Boise State they don't offer the brand recognition or on-field success. The Rebels have just two bowl appearances since 2000, and have been historically bad. However, they obviously reside in Las Vegas which is the No. 40 market in the country per the Nielsen DMA Rankings. It has become a hub for professional sports, and has potential.   

4. Boise State

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Boise State has often gone overlooked when it comes to expansion for a couple of reasons. According to Nielsen DMA Rankings, they reside in the No. 98 televise market in the country and academically they rank somewhere from No. 331-440 according to US News. However, the reason they made my list over other programs is the fact that they are an extremely respected brand in college football and have had plenty of success. Dating back to 2000 they have 17 seasons with 10 or more wins, and outside of two sub .500 finishes when their program first got in 1996-97 going their worst record in program history is 6-5 in 1998. They will be instantly competitive, are well known, and make geographical sense.

3. Colorado State

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One of the biggest misconceptions following Colorado's departure is the fact that you can plug in Colorado State and everything will be peachy. While that isn't exactly the case, Colorado State represents a lesser San Diego State in the sense that we all know adding the Aztecs doesn't give the Pac-12 the Los Angeles market back but it does get them in the market. Same goes for Colorado State and the Denver market. Football wise they've had some down years with five straight losing seasons, but we've seen coaches have some success here before leaving. Them getting the boost to the Power 5 would help them retain coaches from leaving. Academically they rank No. 151 in the country, and they were at one point viewed as the third best candidate. I would think their chances have only gone up.

2. SMU

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SMU is No. 2 because they have long been viewed as the next team after San Diego, but they are more important than people realize. Four of the five teams on this list reside in the Mountain West Conference, who have a hefty buyout and don't seem like they are willing to negotiate for a cheaper release of their programs. The American on the other hand has already gone on record and said they are willing to negotiate with a team looking to depart. The four other schools will have to pay over $30 million for a buyout fee if they want to join the Pac-12 in 2024, whereas the American's exit fee for the three teams that left for the Big 12 was $18 million and will be paid in installments until 2036. All of this to say that SMU can get the conference to 10 schools for 2024 assuming no other programs leave, and the other programs can join the following year in 2025. They reside in Dallas, Texas which is a great market and fertile recruiting ground which would also be beneficial for the Pac-12.

1. San Diego State

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San Diego State is the perfect candidate for the Pac-12 despite the fact that they likely won't be ready to join by 2024. Of course they can if they are willing to pay the large exit fee, but until they are invited we won't know what they are wanting to do. They provide the Southern California market, are competitive in football and basketball, and academically are making the right moves that the Pac-12 wants.