College football expansion update: New school enters Big 12 zone of interest

There might be a new candidate in the next phase of college football realignment

There appears to be a new candidate for the Big 12 to add in the next potential phase of college football realignment, according to one school's president.

Fresno State president Saul Jimenez-Sandoval appeared to confirm that the Big 12 has shown interest in adding the school to its conference in the future.

Jimenez-Sandoval made the comments during a discussion about "Measure E," a proposed sales tax that would help athletic and academic projects at the school.

If passed, that measure would help the school implement upgrades that would boost the school's prestige enough to join with a Power Five conference.

Among the hoped-for improvements the school would like to make with the extra money are a $160 million renovation of the football stadium and a $47 million upgrade at the Duncan Athletic Center.

College football insiders in the know have connected Fresno State to both the Big 12 and Pac-12 in reporting ever since USC and UCLA announced their decision to join the Big Ten in 2024.

Both leagues are trying to exploit the large California media market: for the Big 12, to finally break into it, and for the Pac-12, a chance to recover some of the huge loss it will take when its two Los Angeles-based brands will depart for good.

A member of the Mountain West Conference since 2012, Fresno State is one of seven California schools that plays at the FBS level of college football.

San Diego State and San Jose State are the other Group of Five programs in the state, and reports have indicated the Pac-12 is interested in adding San Diego State.

More on college football expansion

Big 12 exploring "every possibility" in expansion

Coach thinks Pac-12 could collapse

Big 12 contacts four Pac-12 schools

Two schools respond to Big 12 interest

Pac-12 schools reacts to Big 12 rumors

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(San Joaquin Valley Sun)

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