Urban Meyer endorses Cincinnati, his alma mater, for the Big 12
Urban Meyer is endorsing his alma mater for the Big 12.
The Ohio State head coach told reporters Sunday that he thinks Cincinnati would be a good selection for an expanded Big 12. He made it clear that he was endorsing the Bearcats as a fan more than as a football coach.
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“I am a graduate, a fan,” Meyer said per the Dayton Daily News. “I think they should be in the Big-12. I’m saying that without making all the research necessary to really make that comment. That’s more as a fan.”
Adding another Power Five program (Cincinnati is currently in the Atlantic Athletic Conference) to the Ohio recruiting landscape could (but probably won’t) make things a bit more difficult on the Buckeyes. Meyer admitted that (“I bet it would. That Big 12 is big business,” Meyer said per ESPN), but still would very much be in favor of UC making the move.
“My sister’s a provost there and so I know that school very well and I couldn’t be happier for that city and for that school if they do get in the Big-12,” Meyer said.
The Big 12 presidents gave commissioner Bob Bowlsby the go-ahead to pursue expansion candidates last month. Cincy is one of the reported 18 schools that will give video presentations to the conference. Bowlsby said the league would consider adding two or four members. ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported this week that adding two new members was more likely.
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Cincinnati, along with schools like BYU and Houston, have been the perceived favorites to land an official invitation, which requires approval of eight of the Big 12’s 10 presidents. It isn’t immediately clear when the conference will reach a decision.
Cincinnati has consistently fielded good teams in football and men’s basketball in recent years and also has a solid media market in a state where football is extremely popular, making it an attractive option.
For more Cincinnati news, visit BearcatReport.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
