On July 1, 2026, Texas State transitioned from the Sun Belt Conference to the Pac-12. Now that the university is entering the “Conference of Champions,” here’s what you need to know.
Bobcat Battle Cry
In case you haven’t learned the Texas State fight song yet, get on it immediately! After winning 3 consecutive bowl games and setting a season attendance record averaging more than 22,000 fans per home game, the football team has earned their spot in this new conference. With a bigger conference, we’ll be facing a lot more visibility. That means our student body should be filling up UFCU Stadium with not only their attendance, but with their support for the team. We wouldn’t want to go viral for a football team with no support. Like the fight song says, “we’re gonna cheer for our team today, until the whole world knows our name.”
Brilliant Bobcats
Texas State is already on its way to becoming an R1 University. An R1 rating is when a college is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a “very high research activity” campus. With this Research-1 category, the university gains more funding opportunities, allowing us to reach $100 million annually in research expenditures. Additionally, the university would expand its degree offerings, and the value of a Texas State degree would increase. Being a Bobcat alum would somehow be even more amazing.
Bobcats On The Big Stage
Have you ever had to say something along the lines of “it’s near Austin” when explaining where San Marcos is? With this Pac-12 establishment, people are going to know where and who we are. As I mentioned earlier, the visibility increases not only for the football team, but for all of the students. With more eyes recognizing our spirit and academics, there’s more opportunity for everyone. Alumni reach will spread, and new opportunities will expand when Texas State University is on our resumé.
Bobcat Battles
As a Bobcat, it’s our job to know who we’re up against. Texas State joins the Pac-12 with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (basketball), Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Washington State. Those are some big names with big team energy. They’re in the Pac-12 for a reason too, so expect some serious competition when we Pack the Wack.
This new era will bring so much to San Marcos. Our name is growing, and we should be proud of that. Wear maroon and gold, put your states up, and show everybody what it means to be a Bobcat.
Eat ‘Em Up, Cats!