Big 12 Looking to Add Four More Teams to Replace Texas, Oklahoma
By Ben Heisler
Go Big (12), or go home.
With the state of the Big 12 in flux after Texas and Oklahoma's decision to bolt for the SEC, the conference's philosophy is to reportedly expand with four more teams. The news was first reported by Max Olson of The Athletic, as the conference is seriously considering BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston as the four schools to climb on board.
While meeting with the remaining eight Big 12 Athletic Directors and Presidents, commissioner Bob Bowlsby released broad details in a statement that despite the SEC acquiring Texas and Oklahoma, as well as the newly formed "alliance" from the Big Ten, Pac 12 and ACC, that their conference has no plans to fold anytime soon.
"Following two days of consultation with the athletic directors of the continuing members of the Big 12 conference," Bowlsby said.
"The eight ADs remain committed to furthering the Big 12 as one of the nation's premier athletic conferences and look forward to working with our presidents and chancellors to strengthen the league."
Would the Four Teams be a Good Fit for the Big 12?
When it comes to college football, at least, all four rumored schools all have solid foundations. Cincinnati enters this season with an AP Top 10 ranking, and is projected to finish as the "Highest Ranked Group of Five Champion" at WynnBET Sportsbook at +110 odds (bet $100 to win $110). UCF sits in second at +800 odds, and Houston at +2000.
BYU is expected to take a step back this season after their quarterback, Zach Wilson was selected No. 2 overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Cougars are still projected to be bowl eligible by the oddsmakers; placing their projected win total at seven games.
Ultimately, the move from the Big 12's perspective is all about location and media market size.
One factor favoring BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston in Big 12 expansion, I'm told, is they all have large, passionate alumni bases that could be attractive to media partners.
— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) September 2, 2021
By adding Houston, the Big 12 could remain relevant in a college football-rabid state of Texas and adding a larger media market than that of Austin. TCU is based out of Fort Worth, Texas, and Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas would still remain a part of the conference as well.
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