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Big 12 Expansion: 5 teams that need to be added

By John Buhler

Oct 8, 2016; East Hartford, CT, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Eric Wilson (23) reacts after an interference call as they take on the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field. UConn defeated the Bearcats 20-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; East Hartford, CT, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Eric Wilson (23) reacts after an interference call as they take on the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field. UConn defeated the Bearcats 20-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars safety Khalil Williams (2) and linebacker Nomluis Fruge (36) celebrate defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at TDECU Stadium. Houston Cougars won 38 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars safety Khalil Williams (2) and linebacker Nomluis Fruge (36) celebrate defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at TDECU Stadium. Houston Cougars won 38 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars are the team the Big 12 needs to include above all. Technically, Cincinnati makes the most sense in terms of media market, geography, and athletics, but failing to bring Houston aboard would be insane.

Obviously the four Texas schools (Baylor, Texas, Texas Tech, and TCU) would have to agree to letting a fifth school in the state in, but the Big 12 needs this. The University of Houston is in Harris County. There are more elite football players per square mile in Harris County than in any other country in the United States.

If the Big 12 brings Houston into the fold, the Cougars become a national immediately. By adding Houston to the Big 12, this would mean the conference would be getting an elite head coach in Tom Herman. Herman may not leave the program he’s built the last two years if Houston gets a Big 12 bid.

The Big 12 has become the redheaded step child of the Power 5 conferences in the College Football Playoff. Adding two or four teams doesn’t really change the narrative. However, Houston is a football program that could boost the Big 12 in terms of relevancy. Texas is struggling and the Air Raid offense is making defense laughable in the Big 12.

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Adding Houston doesn’t improve the Big 12 in terms of media market. Perhaps most importantly, it locks down an elite recruiting base, an on-the-rise program, and gains a top-five head coach football. Maybe we see a return of Phi Slamma Jamma on the hardwood with Houston getting a bid?

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