CFB Rumors: Is the Pac-12 considering expansion into Texas by adding Houston?

The Pac-12 has reportedly met with the athletic director of the Houston Cougars. Could the Pac-12 be looking to expand into Texas?

Houston has essentially been lobbying for a spot in the Big XII for the past year. It would work too, if the Big 12 didn’t already have a huge footprint in Texas, especially in the Houston area. Both the SEC and the Big 12 plunder Houston for recruits regularly, so there’s not really much to be gained by adding the Cougars.

The Cougars are still looking to get out of the American Athletic Conference, however. The AD of Houston met with officials from the Pac-12, per the Houston Chronicle.

This is a colossal power play from Houston, if the Pac-12 is considering adding the Cougars. It doesn’t look like they are at the moment, but to do this on the day before the Big 12 is set to have its next meeting on expansion is definitely attempting to send a message. If the Pac-12 gets a foothold in Texas via Houston, they’ll gain access to the fourth-largest city in the United States. The draw of being able to recruit in Texas will be a big sell too.

Houston will likely never get into the Big 12. If they do, it won’t likely be for long. The Big 12 can’t afford to take on any schools that won’t expand their footprint. The Pac-12, if they do so desire, could gain a huge recruiting foothold in one of the nation’s recruiting hotbeds.

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