You’ve seen the headlines about the "death" of the Pac-12. People act like the West Coast just rolled over and let the Big Ten and SEC take the lunch money. But if you’re actually paying attention to what’s happening in Pullman and Corvallis right now, in 2026, you know that narrative is basically garbage.
The rivalry between Washington State and Oregon State—the two schools "left behind"—has morphed into something much more intense than a simple regional spat. It’s a fight for survival. Honestly, it’s the most authentic thing in college sports right now. While the "big" schools are flying halfway across the country to play Rutgers or Maryland in front of half-empty stadiums, the Cougs and the Beavs are actually building something.
The 2026 Reality: The Pac-12 is Back (Sorta)
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. The Pac-12 didn't die; it just went to the mechanic and came back with a bunch of weird aftermarket parts. As of July 2025, the league officially expanded to nine members. We’re talking Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and even Texas State joining the fray. Oh, and Gonzaga is there for basketball, which is just wild.
But the heart of this thing is still Washington State vs Oregon State.
These two are the "Pac-2" originals. They kept the lights on. They sued the old conference for the rights to the name and the $100 million war chest. They won. That shared trauma created a bond, sure, but it also made their head-to-head games feel like a battle for the soul of the "new" West.
When they met on November 29, 2025, in Pullman, it wasn't just a late-season game. It was a statement. WSU took that one 32-8, absolutely stifling the Beavers' offense. But earlier that same month? Oregon State edged them out 10-7 in a game that felt more like a bar fight than a football match.
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The stats tell one story: WSU leads the all-time series 58-50-3. But stats don't capture the vibe in Gill Coliseum or Martin Stadium. It's loud. It’s personal.
Life on the Border: It’s Not Just About Football
If you’re moving to the PNW, you’ve probably googled the tax stuff. It’s the classic "Vancouver vs. Portland" debate that never ends.
Washington has no state income tax. Oregon has no sales tax.
People think they can outsmart the system by living in Vancouver and shopping in Portland. Pro tip: everyone else has that same idea. The I-5 bridge is a parking lot. If you live in Washington and work in Oregon, Oregon is still going to take their cut of your paycheck. It’s called the "commuter tax," and it’s a headache.
Cost of Living Breakdowns (The Real Numbers):
- Taxes: Oregon’s income tax is progressive, hitting 9.9% if you’re a high earner. That hurts. But Washington makes it up with sales tax that can hit 10.5% in some spots.
- Housing: Generally, Oregon is about 12% "cheaper" on paper, mostly because Seattle drags the Washington average into the stratosphere. But if you compare Corvallis to Pullman? Pullman is usually the more affordable bet for a rental, though inventory is basically non-existent.
- Vibe: Pullman is a "wheat desert" college town. It’s isolated. It’s windy. Corvallis is closer to the greenery and the coast, but it feels a bit more manicured.
The Basketball Shift: Gonzaga’s Shadow
Everything changed for the Washington State vs Oregon State basketball rivalry when Gonzaga officially joined the Pac-12 as a non-football member.
Suddenly, the games between the Cougs and Beavs became the "middle class" struggle. On January 4, 2026, WSU handled business in Spokane (where they’ve been playing some home games lately), winning 81-67. Ace Glass and ND Okafor looked like the real deal. Oregon State, under Wayne Tinkle, has been scrappy, but they’re struggling with consistency. They’re 9-13 overall right now.
Is it "Power 5" basketball? Probably not by the old standards. But tell that to the 12,000 people screaming their heads off at Numerica Veterans Arena. The intensity hasn't dipped just because the logo on the floor changed.
Why This Rivalry is the Future of the Sport
We’re moving toward a "Power 2" world with the Big Ten and SEC. We get it. But there is a massive audience for regional, meaningful games.
The Pac-12’s survival is a case study in "spite as a motivator." Oregon State and Washington State didn't go away because they were "too small." They stayed because their fanbases are obsessed.
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Think about the Apple Cup or the Civil War. In 2024 and 2025, those games happened as non-conference matchups. It felt wrong. It felt like watching your parents date other people. But the Washington State vs Oregon State game? That felt right. It’s the only game where both teams are playing for the same history.
What You Actually Need to Do
If you’re a fan, or just someone trying to figure out which side of the Columbia River to call home, here is the move.
First, stop looking at "pre-2024" data. The landscape changed too fast. If you’re choosing between these schools for a kid or yourself, look at the specialized programs. WSU is a powerhouse for veterinary medicine and agriculture. OSU owns the conversation when it comes to forestry and oceanography.
Second, if you’re planning to attend a game, book your Pullman hotel for the 2026 season now. No, seriously. There are like four hotels in that town, and they fill up eighteen months in advance.
Finally, don't buy into the "Group of Five" label. The new Pac-12—with Boise and SDSU—is arguably more competitive top-to-bottom than the lower half of the ACC or Big 12.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the "Kicker": If you’re moving to Oregon, look up the Oregon Tax Kicker. If the state collects too much, you get a refund. It’s a weird, beautiful quirk of their law.
- Verify the 2026 Schedule: The full Pac-12 conference schedule for the 2026 season is typically finalized in late spring. Keep an eye on the official Pac-12 site; the poaching lawsuits with the Mountain West are finally settling, which means dates are becoming concrete.
- Stream via The CW: Most of these games are on The CW or Fox now. If you’re still looking for them on the old Pac-12 Network, you’re searching for a ghost.