Pac-12 Flex Schedule Enhances College Football Playoff Prospects
The landscape of Pac-12 football is about to look pretty different. Starting in 2026, the league will introduce a new scheduling format for its eight teams, featuring a round-robin slate and something called a “flex” matchup in Week 13.
This new approach is meant to help the Pac-12 boost its chances of landing a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The flex week is supposed to give teams more strategic opportunities to make their case for the postseason.
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What is the Pac-12 Flex Week?
From 2026 on, Pac-12 teams will get a flex week in Week 13. Each team will play a Pac-12 opponent they’ve already faced earlier that season.
These rematches won’t count toward the conference standings. That gives teams a bit of breathing room if they’re still in the hunt for a CFP berth.
How It Works
The flex week idea isn’t entirely new. Last year, Oregon State and Washington State played a home-and-home series, which was basically a test run.
In this setup, the Week 13 rematch is treated as a non-conference game. That adds some flexibility and helps top teams clear a path to the CFP.
With only eight teams, each Pac-12 program can play just seven conference games. They keep a three-game nonconference schedule and a bye week, which leaves an extra slot for the flex game.
This lets the Pac-12 shuffle schedules as the season unfolds, tweaking things to give its best teams a shot at the playoff.
Strategic Implications for CFP Aspirations
The flex week gives the Pac-12 a rare edge. By mid-November, the league can look at the playoff picture and arrange matchups to help its teams climb into the 12-team CFP field.
Boosting Playoff Contenders
Let’s say Boise State is sitting at No. 15 in the rankings and no other Group of Six teams are in the top 25. The Pac-12 could give the Broncos a winnable Week 13 game to keep their record spotless.
On the other hand, if Fresno State needs a big win to stand out from teams in the American or Sun Belt, the league could set up a marquee matchup against the second-best Pac-12 team.
Even if the top two teams lose in Week 13, they’re still eligible for the Pac-12 Championship Game. That margin for error could be huge in a tight playoff race.
Logistical Considerations for Flex Week
The Pac-12 gets to decide the Week 13 matchups, but there are a few rules. Every team is guaranteed at least six home games, with four against conference opponents.
So, teams like Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Washington State will host their flex games, no matter who they’re playing.
Minimizing Repeat Road Trips
The league wants to avoid sending teams on repeat road trips. For example, since Boise State is already playing at Fresno State in Week 6, the Pac-12 will try not to send them there again in Week 13.
Still, things aren’t always perfect. Sometimes, a team might end up with a second away game against the same opponent if the schedule demands it.
Projected Matchups for Week 13
The Pac-12 has released four projected Week 13 matchups, aiming to avoid those repeat road trips:
- Boise State at Utah State
- Texas State at Colorado State
- San Diego State at Fresno State
- Oregon State at Washington State
These games are supposed to keep things competitive and help teams stay in the playoff conversation. The final matchups won’t be set until no later than six days before kickoff, with the deadline falling on Sunday, November 22.
This gives the league a chance to react to Week 12 results and rankings before making the call.
Challenges and Opportunities
One hitch: the flex games have to be set before the Week 13 CFP Top 25 rankings come out. That’s not ideal, but the Pac-12 figures the Week 12 rankings will give them enough info to make smart choices.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but the league seems determined to squeeze every possible advantage out of this new flex week idea.
Conclusion: A New Era for Pac-12 Football
The flex week coming to the 2026 Pac-12 football schedule is honestly a pretty daring move. It gives teams a bit more wiggle room and could shake up how matchups play out across the conference.
There’s a sense that the Pac-12 wants to cement its place as the top Group of Six league. They’re clearly aiming for a regular spot in the College Football Playoff, and this is one way to try and make that happen.
If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty details or just want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the full breakdown over at CBS Sports.
