Boise State Football's 2026 Pac-12 Schedule: A Unique Format and Exciting Flex Game
Boise State football's 2026 Pac-12 schedule was recently announced, featuring a unique format compared to the Mountain West. The Pac-12 will consist of five former Mountain West teams, including Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Utah State, along with Washington State, Oregon State, and Texas State from the Sun Belt Conference. Boise State will face all three non-Mountain West teams in the upcoming season, adding a new dynamic to their schedule.
One significant change in the Pac-12 schedule is the reduction to a seven-game conference slate, with an additional flex game against a Pac-12 opponent in week 13. This flex game will be considered a non-conference matchup, with the opponent determined just six days before the game. Boise State is set to play as the road team in the flex week, facing one of Utah State, Fresno State, Colorado State, or Washington State.
The Pac-12 championship game will be hosted by the top team in conference play, similar to the Mountain West format. Boise State's 2026 schedule includes four non-conference games, starting with a game against Oregon, a 2025 College Football Playoff semifinalist. Conference play kicks off on October 3 against Utah State and concludes on November 21 against San Diego State. The season will wrap up with a road flex game on November 28 and the conference championship game on December 4.
With only eight football programs in the Pac-12 in 2026, each team will play seven conference games without repeats. The addition of the flex game in week 13 allows the Pac-12 to adjust matchups based on end-of-season standings to benefit teams vying for the College Football Playoff or bowl games. Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould emphasized the strategic vision behind the 2026 format, highlighting the conference's evolution and creativity in scheduling.