Oregon State, Washington State Face Uncertainty as Mountain West Exits Agreement

The Mountain West Conference has decided not to continue its scheduling collaboration with Oregon State and Washington State for the 2025 season. This choice leaves the two remaining Pac-12 schools in a precarious situation as they lack a long-term conference affiliation.

Previously, the “Pac-2” entered into a 7+1 scheduling agreement, permitting Mountain West (MW) teams to compete in seven conference games and face one of the two Pac-12 institutions during the 2024 season. The deal included an option to extend through 2025 but required mutual consent to be finalized.

In a statement to the Associated Press, the Mountain West said, “The football scheduling arrangement with Oregon State and Washington State was a one-year agreement. For the 2025 season, the Mountain West and its member institutions are moving forward with their conference and nonconference schedules. Our focus remains on the current season and our exceptional teams.”

Following the departure of the other ten Pac-12 members, Oregon State and Washington State chose to stay within what is still legally recognized as the “Pac-12.” Their goal is to secure payments and benefits associated with the storied league. The two schools currently manage a significant fund totaling $265 million, which encompasses earnings from Pac-12 basketball units, College Football Playoff (CFP) distributions, and bowl game payouts.

Under NCAA regulations, the Pac-12 has a two-year window to welcome a minimum of eight teams. The prevailing belief has been that Oregon State and Washington State could eventually join the Mountain West after maximizing their share of residual funds. However, the Mountain West’s recent decision to step back from the two schools adds complexity to this plan.

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould commented on this evolving situation back in July, expressing uncertainty about the Mountain West’s interest in the two remaining Pac-12 members. She stated, “I don’t know if the Mountain West thinks they need these two schools, honestly. I would imagine if and when these conversations ever take place, it’s going to be based in part on the economics of the decision and what they bring to the table. There is so much riding on that in terms of future media rights, recruiting decisions, all those things.”

As it stands, Oregon State has scheduled six nonconference games for the 2025 season. Their lineup includes matchups against Texas Tech, California, and their long-time rival, Oregon. On the other hand, Washington State has made arrangements for five games, featuring opponents like San Diego State, Virginia, and Washington.

Nevertheless, assembling a full 12-game FBS schedule on such short notice will be a formidable challenge for both teams, essentially leaving them to operate as FBS independents throughout the 2025 season. The future remains uncertain for Oregon State and Washington State as they navigate this complicated landscape.