Texas State accepting an invitation to join the Pac-12 in July was the final piece of the puzzle for the organization, which needed eight teams to qualify as a Football Bowl Subdivision conference. But how good will the Pac-12 actually be when everything comes together next year?
Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State are the other colleges that are jumping ship to join the Pac-12 next season. None have historically been powerhouses, but Boise State did make a College Football Playoff appearance last season on the back of Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty.
MORE: What we know about the Texas State football as it enters the bye week
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With four weeks of the college football season comes a decent understanding of where each team sits in the rankings. Here’s how Texas State stacks up with the rest of its future Pac-12 compatriots.
Fresno State — 4-1 overall, 1st in the Mountain West
The Bulldogs began their season early in Week 0 with a 31-7 loss to Kansas. Since then, Fresno State has rattled off four consecutive wins against Georgia Southern, Oregon State, Southern University and Hawaii.
A productive run game led by Bryson Donelson and Rayshon Luke drives Fresno State’s success, but there are four other teams in the Mountain West with one loss or less. Hawaii is the only Football Bowl Subdivision team Fresno State has beaten with a record above .500, so it remains to be seen where it stands in the Mountain West.
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Texas State receiver Kylen Evans (2) evades a tackle by Nicholls State defensive back Ethan Lee (35) during the game at Texas State University on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Utah State — 3-1 overall, 2nd in the Mountain West
Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes is off to a hot start, throwing for 982 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception through his first four games. The Aggies’ only loss of the season came from the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, who handled them 44-22. It took care of business against McNeese, Air Force and UTEP, but Utah State will be challenged Saturday when it travels to face No. 18 Vanderbilt. Hawaii awaits after the bye week.
Boise State — 2-1 overall, 3rd in the Mountain West
Boise State began the season with a 34-7 loss to USF. The defeat has aged well, as USF proceeded to beat Florida 18-16 before falling to No. 2-ranked Miami 49-12. The Broncos have won two consecutive games against Eastern Washington and Air Force, as running back Dylan Riley has emerged as Jeanty’s potential successor. Riley, formerly the No. 3 back on the depth chart, collected 255 total yards and five touchdowns in Week 4 and could be the Broncos’ primary form of offense going forward.
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Its upcoming game against No. 22 Notre Dame will be a stiff test.Â
San Diego State — 2-1 overall, 3rd in the Mountain West
San Diego State has one of the better wins among future Pac-12 teams — a 34-0 demolition of Cal. Cornerback Chris Johnson led the way, intercepting a pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele that he took back 97 yards for a touchdown.
The Aztecs defense pitched a shutout to two of its first three opponents. They gave up 36 points in a loss to Washington State and face Northern Illinois next, with Colorado State in the wings.
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MORE: Texas State football can win the Sun Belt, but it needs to keep getting better
Colorado State — 1-2 overall, 8th in the Mountain West
Colorado State has had a rough start to the year. A loss to Washington wasn’t unexpected, but it fell short to UTSA 17-16 and scraped by Northern Colorado, an FCS team, 21-17.Â
The Rams have a respectable rushing attack but have a quarterback problem. Third-year starter Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has thrown only one touchdown to two interceptions and is completing 54.3% of his passes. The defense intercepted Roadrunners quarterback Owen McCown twice, but the offense did not capitalize on its chances.
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Current Pac-12 — Washington State 2-2, Oregon State 0-4
The Cougars began the season with wins over Idaho and San Diego State. But things took a sharp turn when UNT crushed them 59-10. Washington dominated the Apple Cup 59-24, and suddenly, things are far less rosy. Washington State has a challenging schedule, with No. 13 Ole Miss, Virginia and JMU still to come.
It’s even worse for Oregon State. Former Texas and Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has been a mixed bag, with six touchdowns to five interceptions and the Beavers are still seeking their first win. It faces Houston next and App State the following week.
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