Memphis, Tulane, USF, UTSA Commit to AAC Amid Pac-12, Conference Realignment Rumors

After reported discussions regarding a potential move to the Pac-12, several AAC schools are remaining members of the conference instead.

The AAC announced on Monday that Memphis, Tulane, USF and UTSA are still committed to the conference.

Memphis, Tulane and USF all received offers to join the Pac-12 on Monday before choosing to stay with the AAC, according to Stewart Mandel of The Athletic. Per Mandel, an option to join the conference in only football and basketball was presented.

Memphis also released a statement reaffirming the school's commitment to the conference.

"After considering other potential options, we have decided out current partnership with the American Athletic Conference is in the best interest of our student-athletes and the future of our University," the statement said.

Departing from the AAC to join the Pac-12 wouldn't have been easy, as Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported on Saturday that schools attempting to leave the conference would face a $25 million exit cost.

Dellenger also noted that the Pac-12 only offered to pay $2.5 million of the exit fee.

The conference has continued to build around remaining members, Oregon State and Washington State. On Sept. 12, the conference announced the additions of former Mountain West Conference programs Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State.

The Pac-12 needs eight schools in order to remain a power conference and potentially qualify for an automatic College Football Playoff berth by containing one of the five highest-rated conference champions.

Brett McMurphy of Action Network reported that Gonzaga is expected to join the Pac-12 and will receive a full conference revenue share, but the school's lack of a football team means that the conference still needs two more football members.

With several schools choosing to remain part of the AAC on Monday, the Pac-12 must add at least two more programs before the July 2026 deadline.