Pac-12 implosion might not be done with 4 teams reportedly moving to Big 12

There have been discussions about four Pac-12 schools leaving the conference for the Big 12.

With USC and UCLA bolting for the Big Ten in two years, potentially four other Pac-12 schools could be heading to the Big 12.

WildcatAuthority reported over the weekend there are discussions about Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah heading to the new-look Big 12. From the looks of it, it feels way more likely the Pac-12 will dissolve completely rather than be restored by adding new members. Schools like Oregon, Stanford and Washington could be on the move as well, possibly heading to the Big Ten.

The Big 12 will be gaining four new members by this time next year with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joining the league in 2023. It would be a 14-team league until Oklahoma and Texas depart for the SEC. In theory, the Big 12 would become a 16-team league by adding both Arizona schools, former founding conference member Colorado and emerging college football power Utah.

We should be gearing up for two mega conferences (Big Ten and SEC), as well as maybe a third…

Pac-12 implosion could result in four conference members joining the Big 12

Admittedly, all four schools looking to switch conference ties in this wave of realignment makes all the sense in the world. The Big 12 would be picking up three major media markets in Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City, as well as four schools that have strong athletic traditions. The Arizona schools being a package deal is totally understandable, as is adding both Rocky Mountain rivals.

Conversely, what these discussions are implying is that Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah will not be in the mix to join either emerging mega conference in the Big Ten or the SEC. Oregon and Washington make the most sense from a branding and athletics standpoint. Stanford has elite academics and thrives in the olympic sports historically. The other Pac-12 schools may be left out.

As far as overall competition is concerned, this would be a lateral moving heading “east” for these West Coast defectors. They may not bring more to the table than say a USC, a UCLA, an Oregon or a Washington, but with the Pac-12 imploding, it serves these four other schools to grab a life preserver if they are tossed one near the wreckage of a sinking ship. More moves will be coming.

Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah would be solid additions to an expanding Big 12 league.

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