Texas State was a power at the Division II level before moving up to I-AA in the 1980s, winning a pair of national titles under legendary coach Jim Wacker. Dennis Franchione helped transition the Bobcats to the FBS level. After just one year in the WAC, the program landed in a resurgent Sun Belt in 2013.

Pac-12 OFFICIALLY welcomes Texas State Bobcats! Next steps for conference, and impact on Gonzaga

Texas State is joining the Pac-12, giving the rebuilding conference the eighth football-playing school it needed to maintain its status as an FBS conference.

The rebuilt conference reached the required number of full-time members by adding the Bobcats, who are based in San Marcos, Tex.

For the Pac-12, Texas State gains more scheduling flexibility since it plays in the Central Time Zone, while also expanding its footprint beyond the West Coast.