UConn interested in Big 12 (Photo)

UConn is not going to hide its interest in joining the Big 12 anymore.

It appears that the University of Connecticut has serious interest in joining the Big 12, according to a report in the Hartford Courant. A letter from President Susan Herbst to Commissioner Bob Bowlsby shows just how much the school wants to be part of the Power Five conference.

The letter reads in part, “I am expressing our strong interest in membership in the Big 12 Conference. I look forward to meeting with you and other Big 12 officials to fully discuss our athletic and academic success. We are prepared to learn more about your criteria for evaluating potential members and to answer any questions pertaining to our commitment and ability to join the Big 12.”

The letter was dated July 25 and marked confidential.

As many as 20 schools have expressed interest in joining the conference as it is considering expansion. According to TMGcollegesports.com,  Bowlsby has already emailed Herbst on the procedures to join the Big 12 where it expected to add two to four schools. At this point, only Houston has been officially contacted. There is no guarantee that UConn would emerge as a frontrunner.

UConn currently resides in the American Athletic Conference. The AAC came form the remnants of the Big East that began play in the 2013-2014 season. However, the Big East could come knocking on its door.

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As reported at SB Nation, a possible reunion with the Big East could be in the offing. UConn has expressed mutual interest. If the Big 12 expands without UConn, a football-only membership in the Mid-American, Conference-USA, Mountain West, or Sun Belt conference could happen while other sports could rejoin the Big East.

Basketball alone would improve the standing of the Big East and regardless of what happens, the writing is on the wall for UConn in the AAC.