Tulane, Memphis, UTSA, USF commit to AAC amid Pac-12 interest

Tulane, Memphis, UTSA, and USF all publicly committed to staying in the AAC amid interest from the Pac-12, the conference announced Monday.

"While we acknowledge receiving interest in our institutions from other conferences, we firmly believe that it is in our individual and collective best interests to uphold our commitment to each other. Together, we will continue to modernize the conference, elevate the student-athlete experience, achieve championship-winning successes, and build the future," the conference said in a statement.

The programs also each posted graphics on X to signal their intentions to stay in the conference.

The four schools were recently in discussions with the Pac-12 before deciding to stay put. The Pac-12's offer included a five-year grant of rights, projected annual revenue estimations, and partial coverage of an exit fee, Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports. The AAC exit fee is rumored to be $25 million per team.

The Pac-12 announced earlier this month that Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State will join the conference from the Mountain West in 2026. The Pac-12 now holds six members, including Washington State and Oregon State.

The Pac-12 is expected to target UNLV and Utah State after being turned down by the AAC programs, sources told Ralph D. Russo of The Associated Press.