As the newly formed Pac-12 conference embarked on a transformational period, UTSA found itself at a crossroads, facing an important decision that could redefine the trajectory of its athletic and academic programs. With major programs like the University of Southern California and UCLA departing, the Pac-12 is in a rebuilding phase, creating opportunities for emerging programs such as UTSA to step into the national spotlight. The potential for increased media exposure, lucrative television deals, and access to larger recruiting markets presented immense benefits for schools considering joining the reformed Pac-12. However, in a significant move, UTSA announced its commitment to remain in the American Athletic Conference, a decision heavily influenced by the financial limitations of the Pac-12 in covering exit fees, leaving the question open: Was staying with the AAC the right choice, or should UTSA have pursued the opportunity to join the Pac-12?
One of the strongest arguments for UTSA joining the Pac-12 was the opportunity to elevate its football program to a national level. Under head coach Jeff Traylor, UTSA has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Joining the Pac-12 could have provided UTSA with increased visibility and exposure by competing in a conference with high-caliber teams. As Jeff Traylor himself noted, moving to a new conference could expedite the growth of UTSA’s young football program—a detail worth considering in the context of this decision. However, remaining in The American had its own set of advantages, particularly from a financial perspective. While some may argue that UTSA or similar programs could have covered the cost of leaving the AAC, the real issue was that the Pac-12 wasn’t able or willing to cover the full cost of exit fees, which were estimated at as much as $25 million per school. This lack of financial commitment made the switch less viable for schools like UTSA, Memphis, Tulane and South Florida, all of which ultimately chose to remain in The American.
The Pac-12’s reputation as a power conference—should it retain that status—could have provided UTSA with direct access to the College Football Playoff. The restructuring of the CFP in 2026 presents an opportunity for Pac-12 teams to secure automatic qualifications to the playoffs. Competing at a higher level against stronger programs could have increased UTSA’s national recognition, enhancing its recruiting potential. The move to the Pac-12 could have positioned UTSA as a legitimate contender in the college football landscape, something that would have been more difficult to achieve in the AAC. However, the financial implications surrounding the exit fees meant that even the promise of CFP access came with a risk. Without the Pac-12’s full financial backing, the benefits of joining the CFP may not have been worth the financial strain on UTSA’s athletic department.
Remaining in The American offers its own merits, particularly considering UTSA’s location in Texas, a state synonymous with football excellence and rich recruiting talent. By staying in the conference, UTSA retains access to a competitive environment while maintaining a foothold in the Texas market. This move also ensured financial stability, as the exit fees from the AAC and the Pac-12’s inability to offset those costs made leaving a risky financial move. The AAC benefits from solid television contracts and regional visibility, factors that still support UTSA’s ambitions. Furthermore, San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., is home to a passionate fan base and the Alamodome, a venue already hosting prestigious events like the Alamo Bowl. These advantages may have influenced UTSA’s decision to prioritize stability and regional loyalty in staying with The American.
UTSA’s institutional growth also played a role in this decision. The university is undergoing significant changes, with a projected operating budget of $2.2 billion by 2025 and plans to merge with its medical school. These developments position UTSA as a rising academic and research leader, comparable to many current Pac-12 institutions. Staying in the AAC allows UTSA to focus on this institutional growth while continuing to invest in its athletics, without the potential upheaval of transitioning to a new conference. By 2025, UTSA will be a more competitive and attractive candidate for expansion, should other opportunities arise in the future.
Ultimately, UTSA’s commitment to The American shows that the university and athletics director Lisa Campos is confident in its current trajectory within the conference. While joining the Pac-12 could have accelerated its rise on the national stage, staying with the AAC allows UTSA to maintain continuity, build on its current success, and align its athletic ambitions with broader institutional goals. Nonetheless, it remains an open question whether joining the Pac-12 would have provided greater long-term benefits for UTSA’s athletic and academic ambitions.
