College football imperialism; or, is the Pac-12 a power conference

The Pac-12 Conference, historically a powerhouse in college sports, faces significant challenges following the departure of key programs such as USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. These exits have raised questions about the conference's status as a power conference, traditionally defined by financial stability, media contracts, and competitive success.

The loss of these cornerstone programs has diminished the Pac-12's media appeal and revenue, impacting its ability to compete with other major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC. The shifting landscape of college football, where financial power is increasingly linked to playoff access and recruiting success, poses a further challenge.

Despite these setbacks, the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) system offers a potential path for the Pac-12 to remain relevant. The conference could secure playoff spots through automatic qualification or at-large bids, maintaining public consciousness and competitive relevance.

Critics argue that without prominent national brands and significant financial resources, the Pac-12 risks being compared to smaller conferences such as the Mountain West or American Athletic