Gonzaga Has a HUGE PAC-12 Advantage Nobody Else Can Match, College Basketball Power Rankings

The new Pac-12 officially arrives in July 2026, and one program may be positioned to benefit more than anyone else: Gonzaga. In this special Locked On Pac-12 and Locked On Zags crossover, Christian Rauh and Andy Patton break down why Gonzaga's move from the WCC to the Pac-12 could create a significant financial, recruiting, and competitive advantage for the Bulldogs moving forward. From increased revenue distribution to expanded NIL opportunities and national recruiting reach, Gonzaga enters the new conference in a position few programs can match. The conversation also explores the future of Pac-12 basketball as a whole. Is the new Pac-12 becoming a basketball conference? Can Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, Oregon State, Washington State, Fresno State, and Texas State build one of the strongest basketball leagues outside the Power Four? Christian and Andy debate whether the conference's long-term success will be defined more by football or basketball. Plus, we unveil our Way-Too-Early 2026-27 Pac-12 Men's Basketball Power Rankings. Photo Credit: James Snook/IMAGN Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Pac-12 Conference: Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars