Oregon State and Washington State: America's Teams -

Oregon State and Washington State: America’s Teams

By Eric Boggs of The OHIO Podcast

In the realm of college sports, the concept of “America’s team” typically conjures images of powerhouse programs with legions of fans and storied histories. However, in the wake of the Pac-12 Conference’s demise, a different narrative is emerging—one that centers around two unlikely heroes: Oregon State and Washington State. In light of recent developments where other Pac-12 teams left for different conferences, these two institutions now stand as symbols of resilience and loyalty, deserving of recognition as America’s team.

Oregon State and Washington State found themselves in a precarious position when several of their Pac-12 counterparts decided to jump ship and join other conferences. Left behind, these two schools could have easily been forgotten or overlooked. Instead, they are choosing to stand tall and wave the Pac-12 flag, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their conference and their respective communities.

Despite the challenges posed by the departure of their conference rivals, both the Beavers and Cougars will play independent schedules beginning in 2024, with many of their opponents coming from possible future conference counterparts in Mountain West foes. Whether the Mountain West eventually brings on the two remaining Pac-12 schools, or their is some kind of Mountain West/Pac-12 partnership, it seems like both OSU and WSU will eventually be on a conference with the majority of their 2024 opponents.

For years both these schools were overshadowed by their instate rivals. That all changes this season. And although they will still play in what will be oddly called “non-conference” games, you can best believe that the majority of America will be rooting for the two remaining Pac-12 schools in those contests.

In light of their resilience and loyalty, it’s time to recognize Oregon State and Washington State as America’s team. While other Pac-12 schools may have abandoned ship, these two institutions have remained steadfast in their commitment to their conference and their fans. They embody the spirit of collegiate athletics at its finest.

Oregon State and Washington State may not have the flashy reputations or storied histories of some of their former Pac-12 counterparts, but they have something far more valuable: resilience, loyalty, and heart. In a landscape that is constantly evolving, these two schools stand as beacons of stability and integrity, deserving of recognition as America’s team.