Oregon State, stunned a week ago when five schools decided to leave the Pac-12, has decided its best path is rebuilding the conference.
In a statement to “OSU Community Members,” school president Jayathi Murthy wrote that “we continue to believe that preserving the Pac-12 is in the best interests of OSU student-athletes and the remaining universities, and so we are doing everything in our control to stabilize and rebuild the conference.”
Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah decided last Friday to leave the Pac-12, joining Colorado, USC and UCLA. The only schools remaining in the conference are Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford and California.
The Pac-12′s current configuration finishes at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
A rebuilt Pac-12 could have as few as six schools, at least for two years to retain FBS status. A new-look Pac-12 could add schools such as San Diego State, UNLV, Colorado State, Boise State, SMU, Rice and Tulane, among others.
Here is Murthy’s statement:
“Since I last updated you immediately following the sudden events that destabilized the Pac-12 Conference one week ago, we are making progress in defining Oregon State University’s best paths forward. We continue to believe that preserving the Pac-12 is in the best interests of OSU student-athletes and the remaining universities, and so we are doing everything in our control to stabilize and rebuild the conference.
“As a trusted broker and convenor, Oregon State is playing an important role in navigating both the future of the Pac-12 and the realignment among universities across the Western United States more broadly. We are ready for this challenge. We are prepared for multiple possible scenarios and continue to pursue every opportunity for OSU student-athletes and the university.
“All this week, Athletic Director Scott Barnes and I have been meeting with OSU student-athletes, staff, faculty, alumni and state and local government representatives to hear directly from them about how Friday’s events potentially impact students, our community, OSU and our state. I have heard feelings of frustration, anger and dismay. And I have heard your readiness to work together and to fight. “This week and next, we are rallying our supporters, speaking out, and lifting up the voices of student-athletes, alumni, fans and the communities we serve. Their stories need to be part of the conversation about what is happening with conference realignment. We also call on all Beavers and supporters to show up for OSU student athletes in Reser Stadium and across all our athletic venues. Continuing the momentum of last year’s success, which saw twelve Oregon State teams advance to the postseason, the nation’s eyes are upon us like never before, and we need all of Beaver National to rally with us.
“On and off the field, our fight continues. As we work diligently to forge OSU Athletics’ path forward, I will continue to provide updates. Thank you for your continued support of OSU student-athletes, coaches, Athletics staff and the university.”
--Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel