Washington State has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Pac-12 this week.
The conference, grappling with significant changes as it faces defections, now primarily relies on WSU and Oregon State for any semblance of joy as they prepare for the entry of several new schools into their fold in 2026.
For now, the focus is on Washington State’s newfound acclaim, as they find themselves ranked No. 22 in The Associated Press poll after a hard-fought 29-26 victory against San Diego State, making a remarkable 7-1 start to their season for the first time since 2018, when Mike Leach and Gardner Minshew led the team to an impressive 11-2 finish.
Under the guidance of head coach Jack Dickert, the Cougars have shown tenacity, largely attributed to sophomore quarterback John Mateer, who has orchestrated dramatic comebacks throughout the season.
In the game against San Diego State, Mateer demonstrated resilience by rallying his team back from a 26-14 deficit with just 13 minutes left on the clock.
“That’s why they give you 60 minutes. We’re the Cardiac Cougs,” Dickert noted, highlighting the determination and passion found within his team’s spirit.
Both Washington State and Oregon State are currently engaged in a one-year scheduling agreement that sees them play eight and seven opponents from the Mountain West Conference, respectively.
As for Oregon State, their fortunes haven’t mirrored those of their rival, as they sit at 4-4 and have suffered three consecutive losses.
The Cougars and Beavers are working together to finalize their schedules for 2025, with plans to face each other twice in November of that year.
Exciting changes are on the horizon, with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State set to leave the Mountain West to join the Pac-12 the following season.
Gonzaga will also make its entry into the Pac-12, although not in football. Meanwhile, the conference is actively seeking to secure an eighth football member to restore its status in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Dickert emphasized the importance of this season for recruitment, stating, “This signifies that Wazzu is here to stay,” and underlined the necessity of maintaining a strong brand to attract talent.
In a glance at other notable programs, Penn State holds the third spot in the rankings as they prepare for a highly anticipated clash against No. 4 Ohio State, with quarterback Drew Allar’s health becoming a central concern following his injury.
Texas, now sixth, faces an open week before hosting Florida but has raised some alarms with their inconsistency against weaker opponents.
Boise State, currently ranked No. 15, has positioned itself favorably in the competition for the Group of Five spot in the College Football Playoff after a narrow victory against UNLV.
SMU climbs to No. 20 following a bizarre win against Duke, while Colorado rounds out the Top 25 at No. 23, marking their first bowl eligibility since 2020 and their return to the rankings after a noticeable turnaround since their early-season setbacks.
As college football continues to evolve, the rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State stands out, particularly since this will be the first top-five meeting since 1996.
The matchup between Pittsburgh and SMU also has historical significance, being the seventh contest between two teams in the Top 25.
Missouri, despite a lopsided defeat to Alabama, still clings to a spot in the rankings, as the college football landscape remains as competitive and unpredictable as ever.