When the Pac-12 explored adding Group of Five schools, like the five programs the league did add from the Mountain West, other top-notch G5 schools were of interest. But programs from the AAC, like Tulane and Memphis, as well as those remaining in the Mountain West like UNLV and Air Force, committed to staying put.
However, Pac-12 leaders have reportedly discussed seeing if Memphis may be open to becoming a football-only member. Here’s a look at what this means for the college football landscape.
Why Memphis Would Want To Leave The AAC
Above anything else, Memphis is eyeing an opportunity to join a power conference. But realignment seems to have settled – for the time being – among those leagues, so the Tigers may be looking at other possibilities.
Pac-12 leaders have reportedly pondered if Memphis would be a good fit as a football-only member, with the rest of its sports competing in the Big East. The Tigers obviously have a great basketball program, so the Big East would make sense there, and it would save Memphis on travel for sports outside of football.
Whether Memphis does anything could depend on how much money the Pac-12 will make on its media deal.
If Memphis does leave, that could create a further domino effect for the rest of the FBS, especially the Group of Five. The AAC could look at adding other G5 schools, and then other leagues may be looking to replace those departing teams, and so on.
When Could Memphis & The AAC Split Up?
The earliest Memphis would potentially leave the AAC would be for the 2027-28 academic year, and that’s if the Tigers go to the Pac-12 for football at all.
Memphis’ AAC Buyout
The AAC exit fee for Memphis is expected to be around $25 million with a 27-month notice. But considering the Pac-12 only offered to pay about $2.5 million of that, per ESPN, Memphis didn’t go further with the Pac-12 discussions.
Teams In The AAC
Army, Tulane, Navy, Memphis, East Carolina, South Florida, UTSA, Charlotte, North Texas, Rice, Temple, UAB, FAU, and Tulsa are the teams currently in the AAC.
Mountain West Teams Going To The Pac-12
San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Utah State are the five Mountain West teams which have announced they are going to the Pac-12. Gonzaga is also going to the Pac-12 as a non-football member.
Conference Realignment News
Texas State is a strong candidate for Pac-12 expansion, and it’s unclear what Texas State going to the Pac-12 would mean for Memphis, if anything.
The Pac-12 added five Mountain West schools, but the league initially wanted more from the MW. UNLV and Air Force were seen as potential Pac-12 candidates as well, but they are staying put and therefore are receiving more money from the Mountain West. The Pac-12 is supposed to pay hefty fees for taking Mountain West schools, but exactly how much may need to be settled in court.
The Pac-12 also tried adding multiple AAC programs like Tulane and UTSA, but those schools recommitted to the AAC.
AAC Media Deal
The AAC and ESPN agreed to a 12-year contract worth about $1 billion, via USA Today. The deal began in 2019. Memphis made $11 million as a member of the AAC in 2024, which is more than what the Pac-12 is expected to be able to pay its members.
How Long Has Memphis Been In The AAC?
Memphis has been playing in the American Athletic Conference since 2013. The Tigers competed in Conference USA before that.
