The new PAC-12 officially launches in less than two weeks, but can the conference compete with programs like Oregon, USC, UCLA and Arizona State on the recruiting trail? On this special Locked On College Crossover, Christian Rauh is joined by recruiting expert Brian Smith of Locked On The Portal to break down the future of PAC-12 recruiting, why San Diego State is emerging as an early recruiting winner, and what Washington State may have found in quarterback Kaden Pittick. The conversation dives into Sean Lewis' recruiting strategy at San Diego State, the importance of keeping California talent home, why JUCO recruiting could become a major advantage for PAC-12 programs, and what schools like Washington State, Oregon State, Boise State and Fresno State must do to raise the overall talent level of the conference. Plus, Brian explains why Caden Pinnick could become one of the most important players in the PAC-12 rebuild after posting over 3,000 passing yards and 32 touchdowns at UC Davis before transferring to Washington State. Most importantly, the guys discuss the uncomfortable reality facing the new PAC-12: what will it actually take to compete against the recruiting powerhouses of the West? NIL, social media, television exposure, facilities, development, and relationships all play a major role in determining whether the conference can thrive or simply survive. Topics Include: PAC-12 recruiting rankings update San Diego State's 2027 recruiting class Sean Lewis recruiting strategy Washington State QB Caden Pinnick PAC-12 recruiting vs Oregon and USC California recruiting battles NIL and media exposure impact How the PAC-12 can become a national player again Brian Smith recruiting insights Future of the new PAC-12 conference Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita - IMAGN Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Pac-12 Conference: Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.