What's Happening?
The Pac-12 conference has announced a new scheduling format for its 2026 football season, introducing a 'flex week' in Week 13. This innovative approach allows the eight-team league to adjust matchups based on playoff and bowl considerations. The schedule includes a seven-game round-robin conference slate, with the final week featuring a rematch that does not affect conference standings. This strategy aims to enhance the conference's chances in the College Football Playoff (CFP) by allowing the Pac-12 to dynamically adjust schedules to favor teams with realistic playoff paths. The flex week will see each team play a repeat matchup against a previously faced opponent, with the rematch not counting towards conference standings.
Why It's Important?
The introduction
of the flex week is significant as it provides the Pac-12 with a strategic advantage in the CFP race. By allowing the conference to tailor matchups late in the season, the Pac-12 can potentially boost the profiles of its top teams, increasing their chances of securing a spot in the 12-team CFP tournament. This move is particularly crucial for the Pac-12 as it seeks to establish itself as a leading Group of Six league. The ability to adjust schedules could help ensure that the conference's top teams remain competitive and improve their national rankings, which is vital for securing automatic bids to the CFP.
What's Next?
The Pac-12 will finalize the flex week matchups no later than six days before the games, with the deadline set for November 22, 2026. This timing allows the conference to make informed decisions based on the latest CFP rankings and team performances. The flex week format also ensures that teams are guaranteed a minimum number of home games, maintaining fairness in scheduling. As the 2026 season approaches, stakeholders will be closely watching how this new scheduling strategy impacts the Pac-12's performance in the national college football landscape.
