After much speculation, the Pac-12 announced four new wrestling affiliates joining the conference for the 2026-2027 season, leaving much opportunity for Oregon State.

Two years after the fallout of the conference, the move marks a big step in rebuilding. 

Joining OSU, Cal Poly, Little Rock, and CSU Bakersfield are North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Air Force and Northern Colorado.

For the Beavers, the move provides a huge boost when it comes to National Championship bids. Having four new programs is likely to add at least one more allocation to each weight class.

The addition would have, theoretically, given two other Beavers a ticket to Cleveland this past year, giving them eight representatives. 

For fans, the news is exciting as more opponents mean more matches to attend. And for long-time supporters, the addition may spark hefty conversations about what the conference could become. 

Among the other full-time members joining the Pac-12 in 2026 are Boise State and Fresno State. Both schools once had successful wrestling programs, which have since been cut.

Alongside these two are Stanford and Arizona State, who left the Pac-12 in its collapse. 

But, the recent additions bring hope for the Pac-12 and Oregon State.

Coming off of back-to-back conference titles, the Beavers are sure to capitalize off of the opportunity in front of them. The chance to be seen more on the national stage is sure to grow the program.

In a sport dominated by midwest and east coast programs, Oregon State has the chance to take the title as the perennial powerhouse of west coast wrestling.