The Mountain West’s pursuit of Texas State has taken a new turn. Talks “stalled,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported, and the Bobcats informed the Sun Belt of their plans to stay.

Texas State officials received a verbal offer from the Mountain West last week as the league weighs its next steps following more conference realignment. A decision was expected in the coming days, and it appears the Bobcats aren’t planning to join the MWC.

Texas State is seen as a team to watch as the West Coast round of realignment continues. Thamel previously reported the Pac-12 showed interest in the Bobcats as the Mountain West continued its pursuit.

News of the breakdown between Texas State and the Mountain West came the same day Gonzaga announced it would join the Pac-12 in July 2026. The Bulldogs have long been rumored to leave the West Coast Conference for the league, and The Action Network reported a deal was close late last month. However, conflicting reports emerged, although the Pac-12’s pursuit continued.

An agreement came Tuesday, putting the Pac-12 at eight members. However, the conference still needs one more full member that has football to meet the threshold to be considered part of the FBS.

Pac-12, Mountain West weighing next steps

Both the Pac-12 and Mountain West will sit below the eight-team mark in 2026 as the movement continues. The Pac-12 has until July 2026 to get back to that level under NCAA rules, while the Mountain West will have until 2028 after its departures.

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State all announced their plans to leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12 last month, joining Oregon State and Washington State. More MWC schools came up as targets, but those that remained signed binding commitment agreements and will see a surge in distribution thanks to exit fees.

UNLV and Air Force – widely viewed as the top targets for the Pac-12 – will receive 24.5% of the distribution. Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming will all receive 11.5% while Hawaii will get 5% as a football-only member.

Northern Illinois and Toledo are also being explored as MWC members, according to multiple reports. Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez informed MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher of the league’s interest in both schools, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger. They would be football-only members.

The Mountain West and Pac-12 are also in the midst of a legal battle. Late last week, the Pac-12 sued the Mountain West over “poaching penalties” in their scheduling agreement. Those are not related to the exit fees under conference bylaws.

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