The decision to not continue its scheduling partnership with Oregon State and Washington State for the 2025 season has been made by the Mountain West Conference.
This move adds uncertainty for the remaining Pac-12 institutions, leaving both Oregon State and Washington State without a long-term conference affiliation.
A 7+1 scheduling agreement had previously been established between the “Pac-2” and the Mountain West, allowing MWC teams to engage in seven conference games along with one matchup against either Oregon State or Washington State for the 2024 season.
Although there was an option to extend the agreement into 2025, mutual consent from both parties was necessary for this extension to occur.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the Mountain West confirmed, “The football scheduling arrangement with Oregon State and Washington State was a one-year agreement.
For the 2025 season, the Mountain West and its member institutions are moving forward with their conference and nonconference schedules. Our focus remains on the current season and our exceptional teams.”
In the wake of the departure of the other 10 members, Oregon State and Washington State chose to remain within the “Pac-12” legally, aiming to recover payments and benefits associated with the historic conference.
Both schools currently control a substantial $265 million fund, which encompasses payments related to Pac-12 basketball units, College Football Playoff revenue, and bowl game payouts.
To comply with NCAA regulations, the Pac-12 has a two-year window to maintain a minimum of eight teams.
Washington State Has Scheduled Five Nonconference Games
It has been widely believed that the remaining schools could eventually join the Mountain West after maximizing their financial benefits. However, the Mountain West’s recent decision to sever ties with the two schools complicates this potential scenario.
“I don’t know if the Mountain West thinks they need these two schools, honestly,” remarked Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould in July.
She speculated that any future discussions would likely be influenced by economic considerations and the contributions both schools could make, noting, “There is so much riding on that in terms of future media rights, recruiting decisions, all those things.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Oregon State has six nonconference matchups lined up, featuring games against Texas Tech, California, and their rival Oregon.
Meanwhile, Washington State has scheduled five nonconference games, including matchups with San Diego State, Virginia, and Washington.
Nevertheless, assembling a full 12-game FBS schedule on such short notice will pose a huge challenge for both teams, effectively positioning them as FBS independents for the upcoming season.
