Gonzaga Bulldogs have MASSIVE financial advantage in new Pac-12, will it lead to national title?

Gonzaga Bulldogs secure full PAC-12 membership in 2026, gaining a financial edge no other team can match. Can Mark Few’s squad leverage this to become the PAC-12’s new basketball powerhouse? Christian Ruah and Andy Patton debate the implications of Gonzaga’s jump from the WCC, breaking down roster retention, recruiting outlook, and how a basketball-only move positions the Bulldogs for NCAA dominance. Is the PAC-12 quietly becoming college basketball’s premier mid-major conference?

Power rankings heat up as Christian Ruah and Andy Patton stack the new PAC-12 contenders: Utah State, San Diego State, and Oregon State jockey for elite status behind Gonzaga. Key storylines include San Diego State’s roster challenges, Utah State’s coaching transition, and whether Oregon State’s overhaul sparks a surprise. Plus, can the conference avoid being a “one-bid” league in the expanded NCAA Tournament and challenge the Big East for relevance?

Written work covering Gonzaga at SI: https://www.si.com/college/gonzaga

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