Schools the Big 12 Conference should target in expansion
Conference expansion is a hot topic in today’s college football climate.
The SEC made the first big move, announcing the additions of Texas and Oklahoma back in the summer of 2021. The move was originally planned to take place for the 2025 season but has been accelerated to next year.
A chain reaction took place after the Texas and Oklahoma dominos fell. The Big Ten Conference went west for the surprise acquisition of USC and UCLA. The Big 12 took in BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF to stay afloat.
Conference realignment is expected to continue in the coming years with TV contracts and playoff format reshaping the sport. It is an arms race between the conferences. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark plans to be aggressive in the expansion process.
Here is a look at a few candidates the Big 12 should target to keep up among the power conferences in college football.
Arizona
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona is a solid brand that makes sense in the geographical footprint of the Big 12. The Wildcats are competitive in many major sports, including exceptional basketball and baseball programs.
Arizona State
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona State is a natural fit to join the Big 12 Conference for the same reasons as Arizona. Bringing in the two Arizona schools adds a fun new rivalry to the Big 12.
Boise State
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Boise State is a respected football program that would jump at the opportunity to join the Big 12. Moving up in competing give Boise State a chance to attract more recruits and compete at a national level.
Colorado
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
A Colorado reunion with the Big 12 would be exciting with Coach Prime in town. The Buffalos had success in the Big 12 in the 2000s and should consider going back.
Oregon
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The top brand remaining in the Pac-12 after USC and UCLA depart to the Big Ten, Oregon would be a huge pull for the Big 12.
SMU
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
SMU would bring in in-state rivalries and the Dallas market to the Big 12. The Mustangs have been in talks with the Pac-12 of late, they are eager to make the jump in competition.
Washington
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Similar to Oregon, Washington is a big brand in the northwest that would be a great addition to any league. The Big 12 could span nearly coast to coast with Washington in the fold.
Utah
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Utah is one of the most consistently competitive programs in the nation over the past 20 years. Combined with a potential rivalry with BYU, the Utes are too good to pass up.
