Utah State Athletics Celebrates Move to Pac-12 Conference at 'Reach and Rise' Campaign Event
By Maren Aller |
LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University is entering a bold new era as it prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference, a milestone celebrated during the “Reach and Rise” campaign event hosted by USU Advancement and Athletics at the end of June. The event brought together alumni, donors, fans and supporters to mark Utah State’s acceptance into the Pac-12 Conference, effective July 1, 2026.
The Pac-12 Conference Board of Directors voted unanimously to admit Utah State after reviewing the university’s formal application. Utah State will begin competing in Pac-12 sports for the 2026-27 academic year, joining the league alongside other new members Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State and Texas State.
“The Aggie spirit is fierce and unstoppable,” said Utah State Interim President Alan L. Smith. “Our move to the Pac-12 is about so much more than changing conferences. It’s about expanding opportunities for our student-athletes, elevating our university’s national visibility and connecting more deeply with our alumni and fans across the country. This is a transformative moment for Utah State University.”
USU Director of Athletics Diana Sabau highlighted the power of the move to build on the university’s growing legacy of excellence.
“We are building a championship culture,” Sabau said. “Our student-athletes have demonstrated time and time again that they belong on the biggest stage. Now, the Pac-12 gives them a platform to shine and show the nation what Aggies can achieve — with integrity, grit and determination.”
In recent years, Utah State has achieved unprecedented success in the Mountain West Conference, including four conference championships during the 2023-24 academic year alone and consistently high graduation and academic honors rates among its student-athletes.
Alongside the excitement for Pac-12 membership, the event recognized the momentum of the Reach and Rise campaign, the first comprehensive capital campaign for Aggie Athletics. With a $125 million fundraising goal over five years, the campaign supports facilities, scholarships, nutrition, mental health resources and other critical areas that help Aggie student-athletes succeed both on and off the field. To date, nearly $29 million has been secured, including eight major gifts.
Utah State Vice President for Advancement and President of the USU Foundation Board Matt White expressed deep gratitude for those stepping forward to invest in the future of Aggie Athletics.
“When you invest in athletics, you’re investing in people,” White said. “Our student-athletes inspire the community, lift our brand, and represent what is possible at Utah State. This campaign is about making sure they have every tool to reach their potential and rise to new heights.”
A highlight of the evening was the public recognition of Carol and Jim Laub, whose transformational $10 million lead gift helped launch the Reach and Rise campaign. Other notable commitments announced included gifts from John Loffredo, Steve and Diane Mothersell, Patty and Tom Willis, Mehdi Heravi, Lane and Annette Thomas and Clark Whitworth.
Sabau emphasized that gifts of every size matter.
“It’s not just headline gifts that move the needle,” she said. “Every gift, large or small, builds the foundation of a program that serves our student-athletes, builds community pride and prepares us for the opportunities ahead in the Pac-12.”
With a new chapter unfolding, the Aggie community is united in its vision: to support students, build a championship culture and ensure Utah State’s rise on the national stage.
About Utah State University Athletics
Utah State University sponsors 16 NCAA Division I varsity sports and is consistently recognized for excellence in both athletic and academic achievement. Its student-athletes are leaders in the Mountain West Conference for academic honors, with 440 student-athletes recognized in the most recent year. The Aggies will compete in the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.
About the Reach and Rise Campaign
Reach and Rise is Utah State Athletics’ first comprehensive capital campaign with a five-year, $125 million goal. The campaign aims to provide the resources needed for student-athletes to thrive through modernized facilities, enhanced health and wellness support, scholarship opportunities, and leadership development initiatives.
Big Blue Excellence Fund
The Big Blue Excellence Fund helps cover tuition, housing, books and academic support for 360 student-athletes, providing a lifetime of success through a college education. Donate online or contact the Big Blue Club at (435) 797-2583.
Utah State mascot Big Blue celebrates USU joining the PAC-12 Conference during the "Reach and Rise" campaign event hosted by USU Advancement and Utah State Athletics at the end of June.
With a $125 million fundraising goal over five years, the campaign supports facilities, scholarships, nutrition, mental health resources and other critical areas that help Aggie student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.
To date, nearly $29 million has been secured as part of the Reach and Rise campaign, including eight major gifts. A highlight of the evening was the public recognition of Carol and Jim Laub, whose transformational $10 million lead gift helped launch the Reach and Rise campaign.
Reach and Rise MC Robert Turbin (right), a USU alum and one of the most accomplished running backs in Aggie history, welcomes USU Interim President Alan L. Smith to the stage.
Turbin (far left) sits down with current Aggie athletes at the Reach and Rise event.
WRITER
Maren Aller
Senior Writer
Advancement
(435) 797-1355
maren.aller@usu.edu
CONTACT
Corey Ansfield
Senior Development Director
Utah State Athletics
corey.ansfield@usu.edu
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