The Pac-12’s rebuilding effort could, ultimately, result in the destruction of its sister conference if UNLV accepts its offer to join.

The key number: eight. With six universities previously committed for the 2026-27 competition year — Washington State, Oregon State and the four Mountain West schools that made the jump two weeks ago (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State) — the conference began the week needing at least two more to comply with NCAA rules.

In a whirlwind day of maneuvering by three leagues, Utah State and UNLV of the Mountain West became prime targets for the Pac-12 after a group of American Athletic Conference scho