Now that the Pac-12 — which bills itself as the “conference of champions” — has been reduced to the Pac-4, what are the odds that it merges with the Mountain West?

Pretty good, if logic rules the day.

“To think even remotely five years ago the Pac-12 would be in this position, it’s unthinkable to think that we’re here today,” Washington State football coach Jake Dickert said.

Washington State and Oregon State appear to be perfect candidates to hook up with the Mountain West. Less certain is where Stanford and California see themselves in college football’s consolidation landscape.

This has been picking up steam lately. I seriously doubt it will ever happen but you never know. Will Cal and Stanford be the next members of the ACC? pic.twitter.com/K1nbN39X9M

— CFB+ (@CFBN_Plus) August 7, 2023

If such a merger occurs, look for the Pac-12 to retain its name and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoffs. Also, look for the Mountain West to dissolve on paper but not in reality ahead of any merger. Up in the air are future television contracts and how many millions each school would receive.

Read more at The San Diego Union-Tribune.