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Grand Canyon University joins Mountain West a year early, shaking up SDSU’s plans

With GCU fast-tracked into Mountain West competition, San Diego State faces a new rival and an unbalanced final season before its Pac-12 leap

Former SDSU forward Elijah Saunders cuts off a GCU basketball player in the schools’ most recent matchup on Dec. 5, 2023. Photo Courtesy of David Kadlubowski/GCU

As San Diego State prepares for its transition into the Pac-12 in 2026, along with Colorado State, Boise State, Fresno State, and Utah State, they will also prepare for a new conference opponent this upcoming fall.

On July 8, the Mountain West board of directors approved GCU’s entry for 2025, allowing the Lopes to compete in regular-season games and conference championships this year.