The Mountain West’s interest in Texas State has shifted direction. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, discussions have “stalled,” and the Bobcats have notified the Sun Belt of their intention to remain.
Last week, Texas State officials received a verbal offer from the Mountain West as the league considers its future amid ongoing conference realignments. While a decision was anticipated soon, it seems the Bobcats are not looking to join the MWC.
Texas State is considered a team to monitor as realignment in the West Coast progresses. Thamel previously indicated that the Pac-12 expressed interest in the Bobcats while the Mountain West was still making its moves to attract them.
The news about the collapse of negotiations between Texas State and the Mountain West coincided with Gonzaga’s announcement of its plan to join the Pac-12 in July 2026. The Bulldogs have been speculated to be leaving the West Coast Conference for some time, and The Action Network had reported that a deal was nearing completion late last month. However, various conflicting reports surfaced, even as the Pac-12 continued to pursue the Bulldogs.
An agreement was reached on Tuesday, bringing the Pac-12’s membership to eight schools. However, the conference still needs an additional full member with a football program to meet the NCAA’s threshold for FBS status.
As the changes continue, both the Pac-12 and Mountain West will have fewer than eight teams by 2026. The Pac-12 has until July 2026 to replenish its roster, while the Mountain West has until 2028 to adjust after recent departures.
Last month, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State announced their intention to leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12, joining Oregon State and Washington State. While other Mountain West schools were considered as potential targets, those remaining signed binding agreements and will benefit from increased distribution due to exit fees.
UNLV and Air Force are seen as the prime targets for the Pac-12 and will receive 24.5% of the distribution, while Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, and Wyoming will each receive 11.5%. Hawaii, as a football-only member, will get 5%.
Additionally, reports indicate that Northern Illinois and Toledo are being considered as potential Mountain West members. Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez has communicated with MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher about this interest. These schools would join as football-only members.
Furthermore, the Mountain West and Pac-12 are currently engaged in a legal dispute. Recently, the Pac-12 filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West regarding “poaching penalties” related to their scheduling agreement, which is separate from the exit fees outlined in conference bylaws.
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