Most Improved Pac-12 Teams in 2026: Cougars, Beavers Benefit From Conference’s Restoration

Finding the most improved Pac-12 teams in 2026 starts with the two holdovers from the conference’s previous legacy: Washington State and Oregon State.

The Cougars and the Beavers got thrust into a mess of a situation when the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC raided the old Pac-12, leaving the two northwestern schools as the only schools remaining. That forced them on a two-year odyssey of playing whoever they could find.

Both teams played independent schedules last year, and they had to play each other twice just to make the schedule work. With that lack of stability, it’s frankly miraculous that Washington State made a bowl game.

Just from increased stability, both schools should be better. They’re now playing within a conference, and it’s one that they can handle. Several other schools could join them among the most improved Pac-12 teams this year; here’s a look.

Oregon State Beavers (2-10 Last Season)

Oregon State has been a ship without a port for the past two seasons. The Beavers had to play an independent schedule last year, and without the chance of a bowl, Oregon State collapsed when things got tough.

The Beavers finished minus-11 in turnovers last year, and that proved their downfall. In losses to Appalachian State and Sam Houston State, Oregon State easily outgained its competition, yet lost the game with multiple turnovers.

The schedule should be more manageable this year. Last season, the Beavers opened with seven straight teams who finished above .500, including Oregon. The Ducks aren’t on the schedule this year, and the Beavers have a chance to make a bowl.

Washington State Cougars (7-6 Last Season)

Like with Oregon State, Washington State had a mess of a situation last time. The Cougars came up with a schedule that gave them three straight road games in three different time zones, and somehow managed to take two different trips to the state of Virginia.

Washington State also managed to play three of those four games against ranked teams, and lost them all. Those games don’t show up this year. The schedule makes infinitely more sense, and Washington State has quality on the line as well as in the backfield. Throw in that the Cougars were minus-9 in turnovers last season, and Washington State should be one of the most improved Pac-12 teams this year.

Colorado State Rams (2-10 Last Season)

Jim Mora has found his niche. He’s a college football coach, and a pretty good one in the right spot. The fact that he won at Connecticut while playing as an independent proves that.

Colorado State offers more stability and more resources. The Rams have all the pieces in place to win at a high level, but they’ve made several poor hires in recent years. Now they’ve made a good one, and they should be healthier to boot.

Last year, Colorado State collapsed because Jay Norvell was a poor fit and they couldn’t stay healthy. The Rams lost 20 players to injury, which sapped a quarter of the roster. If Mora can keep his team on the practice field instead of in the trainer’s room, Colorado State will be better for it.

Texas State Bobcats (7-6 Last Season)

The Bobcats were so close to being really strong last year. Texas State lost in overtime to Troy, in double overtime to Marshall and by a point to Arkansas State. Only James Madison and Arizona State blew out Texas State last year, and this year’s slate is far lighter. Other than a trip to Texas, Texas State can reasonably compete in every game.

Brad Jackson is back at quarterback after a strong freshman campaign, and his top three pass catchers return. In a reformed league, Texas State is one of the more stable teams competing. That should make the Bobcats one of the most improved Pac-12 teams in 2026.