Big 12 Football's CONTENDERS and PRETENDERS: BYU Hot, Utah High, Kansas Low, Arizona Bad, TCU, UCF?

Washington State and Oregon State, the two remaining Pac-12 schools after the mass exodus of their peers, have a unique opportunity to rebuild the once-prestigious conference from the ground up. While the departure of marquee programs like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington has left a major gap, Washington State and Oregon State could use this moment to reshape the Pac-12 into a competitive and forward-thinking conference, starting with strategic expansion.

The first step would be aligning with schools that offer competitive athletics and growing markets. This could include targeting ambitious schools from the Mountain West Conference, like Boise State or San Diego State, who have strong football programs and a solid fan base. Adding programs from other western regions could also revive the Pac-12's regional identity and bolster its presence on the West Coast.

In addition to recruiting new schools, Washington State and Oregon State could lead efforts to form partnerships with media companies that are innovative and tech-driven. With streaming platforms playing a larger role in sports, securing deals with companies like Amazon or Apple could provide a new revenue model, differentiating the Pac-12 from the Big Ten and SEC.

Lastly, embracing a culture of athletic excellence and investing in facilities, coaching, and student-athlete support will be crucial. By cultivating a conference focused on opportunity and growth, Washington State and Oregon State could position the new Pac-12 as a dynamic conference, capable of competing nationally once again. With careful leadership, they could usher in a new era for the Pac-12.

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