With phrases like “cautiously optimistic” and “barring an 11th hour change” reports Friday morning about the future of the Pac-12 suggest that the programs that make up conference that was teetering on the verge of collapse in recent days may be sticking together after all.

At the last minute, the Pac-12 may stay together and sign a Grant of Rights, according to multiple reports from Brett McMurphy, Pat Forde and Pete Thamel. After Monday’s media rights offer, the Pac-12 held multiple Zoom meetings this week. Arizona President Robert Robbins appeared fully committed to Pac-12 so much that one participant said: “If Arizona leaves, he should win an Oscar.”

The other piece is Oregon is expected to stay in the Pac-12, barring an 11th hour change. That could have the power to keep the league together, as Arizona has not finalized its deal with the Big 12.

That comes as Big 12 executives met Thursday to approve the application of Arizona as the conference’s 14th member. It’s now up to Arizona’s Board of Regents whether the Wildcats remain in the Pac-12 or leave for the Big 12.