Washington State is in danger of losing its place in a power conference with the Pac-12 literally falling apart this week.
Located in remote Pullman, Wash., the school is an outsider in the conference realignment game. It was banking on its fellow Pac-12 schools sticking together and reloading in the wake of the departures of Southern California and UCLA.
But instead, Colorado and Arizona are leaving for the Big 12, Arizona State and Utah have applied for admission to the Big 12 and Oregon and Washington have been admitted into the Big Ten starting in 2024.
Cougars president Kirk Schulz and athletic director Pat Chun are disturbed with the actions of the other programs.
“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers,” the joint statement from Schulz and Chun said. “While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State Athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation.
“With exceptional student-athletes, a strong Cougar tradition and incredible support from our fans, donors and alumni, we will chart the best path forward together.”
Washington’s impending move to the Big Ten hurts the most, as the Apple Cup football rivalry between the two schools is perhaps the premier college event in the state each year.
Earlier this week, Cougars football coach Jake Dickert sharply criticized the realignment landscape and the effect it will have on longtime regional rivalries.
“The old question of, ‘How long would it take TV money to destroy college football?’ Maybe we’re here,” Dickert told reporters. “To think, even remotely, five years ago the Pac-12 would be in this position, it’s unthinkable to think that we’re here today. And to think that local rivalries are at risk … to me, is unbelievable.”
Washington State, Oregon State, Stanford and Cal would be the Pac-12’s four remaining members once the rest of the departures become official.
The Cougars could be forced to take a step downward and consider a move to the Mountain West, a league that includes San Diego State, Boise State and Colorado State among others. San Diego State had been vying to join the Pac-12 before the latest round of turmoil.
–Field Level Media
