Revamped Pac-12 Expected to Lead Mid-Major Basketball Conferences in 2026-27

Nine programs will compete in the Pac-12 for the 2026-27 men's basketball season after a conference realignment that added seven new members. The incoming teams are San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Boise State, Texas State, and Gonzaga. Oregon State and Washington State remain from the prior Pac-12 membership.

barttorvik.com rankings place five of the nine teams inside the top 100. Gonzaga is projected at No. 8, San Diego State at No. 51, and Utah State at No. 64. Gonzaga enters after 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The program has won at least one tournament game each year since 2008.

Its top-ranked teams are VCU at No. 49, Saint Louis at No. 65, and Dayton at No. 70. The Mountain West follows in third place. Grand Canyon is ranked No. 54, New Mexico at No. 66, and Nevada at No. 84. Wichita State is projected at No. 63, South Florida at No.

87, and Tulsa at No. 91. Saint Mary's is ranked No. 61 and Santa Clara at No. 98. Illinois Chicago is projected at No. 95, Murray State at No. 100, and Illinois State at No. 104.