Two Years After the Pac-12 Collapsed, Its Football Legacy Lives On

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The Pac-12’s demise two years ago marked the end of an era, but its impact on college and professional football is still being felt. The latest testament to this legacy is the 2025 Heisman Trophy win by Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is now favored to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza’s journey began at California, where he spent three seasons before joining the Hoosiers. His success is part of a long line of Pac-12 players from the 2023 season who have gone on to shine at other schools or in the NFL. This includes Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who led the Chicago Bears to a 10-4 record this season.

A Legacy of Talent

The 2023 Pac-12 season featured three Heisman winners and three finalists, all of whom are now NFL starters. This includes Cam Ward, who transferred to Miami for his senior season and was selected No. 1 by the Tennessee Titans in 2025. Michael Penix Jr., a Heisman finalist in 2023, was the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons before a torn ACL ended his season.
Bo Nix, who lost to Penix in a thrilling Pac-12 championship game, has now led the Denver Broncos to a 12-2 start and the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Travis Hunter, a productive sophomore in 2023 at Colorado, won the Heisman in 2024 as a two-way player and was selected No. 1 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft.

A Solemn Question

The success of these former Pac-12 players raises a solemn question: what could have been if the conference had been kept alive? The Pac-12 fell apart largely due to its financial inability to compete with other power conferences. However, the conference’s legacy is a testament to the talent that once thrived within its ranks.

A New Era

The Pac-12 is set to relaunch in 2026 with a new form, featuring Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Texas State. This new era offers a chance for the conference to rebuild and rediscover its former glory.
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