The Big 12 is expanding again — well, sort of.
According to a report from John Canzano, Big 12 presidents have approved Oregon State as an affiliate member in women’s gymnastics for the 2026 season.
While Big 12 athletic directors will have to approve the move, as is expected, the Beavers’ inclusion in the Big 12 won’t last long.
With the Pac-12 coming back to life (essentially) in 2026, Oregon State will eventually return to action in that conference, but the years leading up to that will be quite interesting.
Canzano says that Oregon State women’s gymnastics will be independent for the 2025 season, compete in the Big 12 in 2026, and then return to the Pac-12 following their short stint in this league.
It’s probably not how Oregon State fans had hoped they’d be invited to the Big 12, but, at least their league is expanding after being on the brink of destruction.
While it appears the Pac-12 swung and missed on UNLV, getting Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State to join the league will allow Oregon State and realignment partner Washington State to continue living in a world where geography matters — unlike their former friends at Cal and Stanford.
