Pac-12 expansion slowed as AAC retains Memphis, Tulane, UTSA and South Florida

The Pac-12 Conference expansion hit a roadblock on Monday.

After American Athletic Conference schools Memphis, South Florida, Tulane and UTSA reportedly flirted with the idea of potentially joining Oregon State and Washington State — along with Mountain West Conference teams Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State — the four schools announced their commitment to the AAC on Monday.

The AAC sent out a news release on the teams' decision.

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"Together, we are committed to continuing to build the American brand, exploring new opportunities for exposure and value, and developing innovative economic resources — all in service of our student-athletes," the statement reads in part.

"While we acknowledge receiving interest in our institutions from other conferences, we firmly believe that it is in our individual and collective best interests to uphold our commitment to each other. Together, we will continue to modernize the conference, elevate the student-athlete experience, achieve championship-winning successes, and build the future."

Following a mass exodus of Pac-12 teams to the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference, Oregon State and Washington State were the conference's only remaining programs. The MWC teams will join the Pac-12 ahead of the 2026-27 athletic season, but the conference still needs to add two more football programs to reach the eight required to be recognized as a conference for NCAA championships and the College Football Playoff.

According to the Commercial Appeal, AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti met with Memphis athletic director Ed Scott last week. On Monday, Memphis announced the decision to stick with the conference.

Both UTSA and Tulane confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter) with "committed" graphics. USF did not release a statement as of publication, though South Florida's athletics account retweeted the AAC announcement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 targets Memphis, USF, UTSA, Tulane remain committed to AAC