4 schools commit to staying in AAC after being courted by Pac-12

The new Pac-12’s search to get to 8 members by 2026 will continue. Four AAC schools that were linked to the Pac-12 have released a joint statement announcing their decision to stay put amid the latest round of realignment.

The Pac-12 was reportedly targeting Memphis, USF, UTSA and Tulane as potential new members. The 4 AAC programs announced Monday that they will remain in their current conference.

“We are the American Athletic Conference,” the statement reads.

“A conference that prioritizes student-athlete welfare, has proud academic institutions, produces fierce competition at the highest level, and has outstanding linear and direct-to-consumer national media partners. Together, we are committed to continuing to build the American brand, exploring new opportunities for exposure and value, and developing innovative economic resources-all in service of our student-athletes.

“While we acknowledge receiving interest in our institutions from other conferences, we firmly believe that it is in our individual and collective best interests to uphold our commitment to each other. Together, we will continue to modernize the conference, elevate the student-athlete experience, achieve championship-winning successes, and build the future.”

We are the American Athletic Conference. pic.twitter.com/nuwCtF0dQz

— The American (@American_Conf) September 23, 2024

The Pac-12 is currently a 2-member conference, operating under a waiver that expires in 2026. The Pac-12 recently added 4 new members: Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State. The Pac-12 needs to get to 8 members by July 2026 to be recognized as an FBS conference.

Earlier Monday, it was reported that the Mountain West has made a significant push to keep core members from leaving for the Pac-12.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.