The Pac-12 Conference announced the Week 9 schedule for the 2026 season, featuring eight schools in action on Saturday, October 31. This slate includes fifth week of conference play as the conference race enters what the league described as spooky season.
Several matchups are scheduled for Saturday, October 31. Colorado State will face Utah State at 12:30pm on USA Network, marking the 81st meeting between the long-time rivals. Washington State is scheduled to play San Diego State at 4pm on CBS Sports Net, while Texas State visits #20 Boise State at 7pm on The CW. The nightcap features Oregon State against Fresno State at 8pm on USA Network.
Boise State currently holds a season-high #20 ranking in the AP Top 25. The Broncos are the only school from a non-autonomous conference ranked in either major poll. Oregon State also received votes in both polls, and according to The Athletic’s 138, Boise State and Oregon State are the two highest ranked teams from non-autonomous conferences.
Individual accolades have been highlighted for several players. Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson and wide receiver Jesse Legree were both added to the Maxwell Award watch list. Atkinson leads the country in pass yards (2,604), pass YPG (372.0), and pass TD (24), while Legree tops FBS in receiving yards (1,040), receiving YPG (148.6), and receiving TD (14). Additionally, Colorado State quarterback Hauss Hejny was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after recording 333 pass yards and five total touchdowns in a win over San Diego State.
The Pac-12 continues to maintain high national standing according to various analytics. The conference holds the 5th best average SP+ of 79.9 among FBS leagues and the 5th best average FPI of 79.4. The conference also maintains a 9-4 record against FBS teams from outside the autonomous conferences, representing the highest win percentage (.692) by a non-autonomous conference against other non-autonomous conferences.
