People are connecting UConn and the Pac-12 in conversations around potential conference realignment. And there’s plenty of good reasons why.
The Pac-12 is continuing to explore opportunities to expand, and UConn has been a potential target for Group of Six conferences because, in part, it’s an independent and it would be a more straightforward addition than, say, Louisiana Tech going to the Sun Belt.
But there’s also reasons it won’t happen.
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Why UConn To The Pac-12 Makes Sense
UConn Football Might Want A Conference Home
UConn is one of two FBS independents – along with Notre Dame. But UConn doesn’t have the budget/TV deal that Notre Dame does.
And considering how many power league schools are trying to leave G6 teams off their schedules, maybe finding a conference home sooner rather than later would benefit the football program.
The Pac-12 Could Use Another Member
The rebuilt Pac-12 likely isn’t done adding teams if the opportunity presents itself.
The Pac-12 is now at eight teams, which gives it the minimum to be an FBS conference. But that also means an eight-game league slate includes playing one team twice.
And unless the Pac-12 starts looking at FCS teams – not impossible, but probably not the Pac-12’s first choice – there probably aren’t a bunch of programs that make sense in the western part of the country. Considering the recent legal battles between the Pac-12 and the Mountain West, poaching more MW teams probably isn’t feasible in the short term.
Some teams could be potential candidates for the Pac-12, with or without UConn. New Mexico State stands out from a geographical standpoint.
But if the last five years of conference realignment has taught us anything, it’s that regionality doesn’t matter anymore.
Why UConn To The Pac-12 Wouldn’t Happen
Travel Costs
I know I just mentioned how little geography matters in conference realignment discussions, but we also can’t pretend UConn to San Diego State is a short trip.
Granted, if the Pac-12 continues with just eight games during a conference season, that means the Huskies would go cross-country only four times a year. That’s not awful at the end of the day.
But UConn joining the Pac-12 for all sports would be another discussion.
UConn Won’t Leave The Big East For Basketball
UConn is a basketball-first athletic department. And while UConn vs. Gonzaga on a regular basis would be a blast to watch in basketball, the Huskies leaving the Big East doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense.
Maybe UConn could create a scheduling agreement with the Pac-12 while working out a conference deal in football. But I doubt the Huskies would go to the conference in all sports.
And maybe the Pac-12 wants more than a football-only member.
UConn’s Football Performance
UConn improved drastically over the past few years. But is that sustainable?
The Huskies won nine games each of the past two seasons. But that was the first time the Huskies had a winning season since 2010. Now former Toledo head coach Jason Candle is leading the program. While I do believe Candle is a good coach, it’s still unclear if he’ll keep the program at the level it’s been at – or at the level the Pac-12 would be looking for.
Sidenote: Wouldn’t it be interesting if former UConn head coach Jim Mora went to Colorado State only to see his former team also go to the Pac-12?
When Could UConn Join The Pac-12?
It’s too late for UConn to go to the Pac-12 for the 2026 season, but because the Huskies are independent, they wouldn’t have to worry about exit fees or severing ties with a former league.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean UConn can easily go to the Pac-12 in 2027. The Huskies already have 10 games scheduled for 2027 and 2028 – nine total during that span against Power Four squads.
Being an independent isn’t exactly a dire situation for the Huskies. And that’s why I’m inclined to think they won’t just jump without hesitation at a Pac-12 offer.
But I could see, down the line perhaps, something being worked out here.
