Pac-12 Conference relaunches with eight teams

The Pac-12 Conference has officially relaunched following a period of instability that saw a mass exodus of ten schools over fifteen months. After years of rebuilding, litigation, and restructuring, the conference is operating as a new entity with eight member schools, including original remaining members Oregon State and Washington State, alongside six new additions.

While soccer, volleyball, and cross-country seasons have already commenced, the conference's football season begins this week. The new lineup includes Fresno State, which will face Southern California, and features the resumption of the Apple Cup rivalry between Washington State and former member Washington.

To justify the significant costs associated with legal fees and leaving previous conferences, the conference must achieve competitive success. Analysts suggest that the member schools need to perform well within the Group of 6 and aim for bowl game appearances to ensure the long-term viability of the rebuilt league.