Two interesting bits of Pac-12-related news emerged in recent days. 

On Friday, James Crepea of The Oregonian reported that the Pac-12’s athletic directors voted to expand football travel rosters from 74 to 80 players for conference away games. 

The new Pac-12 is following the trail of the Big Ten, which also increased the size of its travel rosters to 80 players for the upcoming season. 

The travel roster changes are a direct result of the new five-for-five rule, which eliminates redshirts and grants athletes five years to play five seasons.

What the expanded travel roster means for Boise State

Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson is supportive of the new five-for-five rule. 

“It’s all hands on deck now,” Danielson said following Saturday’s scrimmage. “I tell them, ‘If anybody can get a role, (do it). I might be a receiver, but can you get on kickoff because you’re better than anybody else? Let’s go.’ 

“Obviously, there’s still going to be travel numbers that we have to be in when it gets to league. Traveling to Oregon (in Week 1), it’s all going to be from a cost standpoint how many we can bring. But if guys bring value to the team, we’re going to put them on the field. And I think that’s awesome. It leaves the gray out of it now. … Now, it’s if you can help the team—because everybody’s clock starts the second they walk on campus—all hands on deck.”

Beginning last season, college football rosters are hard-capped at 105 players. As of Sunday afternoon, the Broncos have 113 players listed on their 2026 roster. Boise State will have cuts to make prior to the team’s opener against Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 5. 

Pac-12 introduces in-game microphones

In another bit of news, John Canzano of the Bald Faced Truth by John Canzano reported on Saturday that the Pac-12 will use in-game coach and player microphones in 2026. Canzano reported that all eight Pac-12 football head coaches are supportive of the innovative move. 

Every Pac-12 home football game will be broadcast live on CBS, CBS Sports Network, The CW or USA Network. All four networks will use the in-game microphones, Canzano said.

The rebuilt Pac-12 has eight football teams this season: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State. 

The Broncos, who closed their 15-year reign of dominance in the Mountain West with three straight titles, are the preseason favorite to capture another championship in Year 1 of the reborn Pac-12.