Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, And USF Will Stay In American Athletic Conference

Memphis, Tulane, UTSA and South Florida reaffirmed their commitment to the AAC, spurning potential offers to join the reconstituted Pac-12. 

All four schools were reportedly courted by the re-imagined conference, which recently added Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State and Colorado State from the Mountain West beginning in the 2026 season. The Pac-12 still must add at least two more programs before the 2026 season in order to meet the NCAA minimum of eight teams to be recognized as a conference. 

"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," the AAC said in a statement. "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."

According to Yahoo Sports, the Pac-12 claimed in a presentation that the league would be able to generate a per-school distribution clearing $12 million had the big fish in the AAC joined the league. The number would be an increase from the nearly $9 million that AAC programs receive. At the same time, moving to the Pac-12 would require an exit fee that could clear $25 million. 

The decisions are a major win for the AAC as the league tries to keep its bearings as one of the top non-power leagues in the country. The conference has continually been an expansion target over the last decade, sending a combined four schools to the Big 12 and ACC. Now, the league holds onto its most valuable properties. 

With the three top options in the AAC turning down the Pac-12, attention will turn to the Mountain West. Multiple reports claimed that the Pac-12 could circle back and consider other MWC schools to reach the magic number of eight. However, there is a strong effort to keep the schools together. ESPN reports the Mountain West has presented a plan to distribute a one-time payment of guaranteed payments to the schools to keep the league together, with more given to potential expansion candidates UNLV and Air Force.