From major sports expansions and groundbreaking pharmaceutical research to a new partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, explore the most popular stories that defined University of the Pacific in 2025.

Conservatory of Music graduate joins new season of American Idol

Pacific alumnus Filopatir “Filo” Ebid ’23 rang in 2025 on one of the world’s biggest stages—earning a rare Platinum Ticket on American Idol during ABC’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast from Times Square. The Conservatory of Music graduate impressed judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, fast-tracking him into the competition’s next round.

Ebid ultimately reached the Top 12 in the competition. He has since been traveling the country performing, including a recent stop at Pacific where he put on a Christmas concert.  

Pacific navigating unprecedented NCAA changes through growth

At a time when many universities are cutting sports programs, Pacific pursued growth. Beginning in 2025–26, Pacific will add new Division I sports and expand others, creating more opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening enrollment, campus life and competitive success.

Since first announcing it would add or expand to the cross country, diving and track and field programs, Pacific has announced two more sports additions: men’s volleyball and STUNT, a competitive sport involving tumbling and elements of cheerleading.

Pacific achieves highest national ranking in history.

Pacific reached a historic milestone this year, earning its highest-ever ranking from The Wall Street Journal at No. 85 among U.S. colleges and universities. Big gains in student experience, record enrollment and new programs in fast-growing fields highlight a campus on the rise. 

Pacific research team develops breakthrough single-dose solution to combat fentanyl overdoses

Pacific researchers made a significant impact this year, developing a breakthrough drug delivery system that could dramatically improve protection against opioid overdoses. The technology, published in “Nature Communications,” steadily releases naloxone for up to a week—far longer than current treatments—offering new hope in fentanyl-related emergencies. 

Pacific and 49ers announce major education partnership

A defining moment of the year came in November when Pacific announced it has teamed up with the San Francisco 49ers in a multi-year partnership designed to open doors to higher education and real-world career opportunities for students. As the 49ers’ Official Higher Education Partner, Pacific will help lead the team’s internship program and connect students directly to hands-on learning inside one of the NFL’s most iconic organizations. 

Filmed on campus: Pacific has a rich history with Hollywood

With its ivy-covered buildings and East Coast–style charm, the Stockton Campus has been a Hollywood favorite for decades—and the spotlight returned this summer with an HBO series starring Steve Carell, which was partly filmed on campus. The ensuing buzz led to a spike in interest on Pacific’s history with Hollywood.

From classic films like “All the King’s Men” to blockbusters including “Indiana Jones” and “Flubber,” Pacific has helped bring award-winning films to life since the 1940s.

The upcoming HBO series, called “Rooster” will debut in March 2026.

Read more of the research breakthroughs, major milestones and standout stories in the Pacific Newsroom.