Memphis, South Florida, Tulane, and UTSA reaffirmed loyalty to the American Athletic Conference in a Monday afternoon press release. The three teams that received an official offer from the Pac-12 – Memphis, USF, and Tulane – turned down the offer to remain in the AAC. UTSA cut out any speculation that they were next in line for the Pac-12 by joining the other three in pledging allegiance with the AAC. 

“While we acknowledge receiving interest in our institutions from other conferences, we firmly believe that it is in our individual and collective interests to uphold our commitment to each other,” the press release on the AAC X account read. “Together, we will continue to modernize the conference, elevate the student-athlete experience, achieve championship-winning successes, and build the future.” 

The latest round of musical chairs in college football was kicked off when the Pac-12 added four teams from the Mountain West as they try to regain status with at least eight programs. The Pac-12 looked towards the top programs in the AAC to complete a Super League of sorts at the G5 level because the top-ranked G5 squad gets an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff. 

Reports suggest the Pac-12 will now turn its eye back West for schools such as Air Force, Utah State, and UNLV.