Report: Big 12 has 4 schools tabbed as ‘leading contenders’ to join conference

After losing Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC and being left out of “The Alliance,” the Big 12 has been scrambling to maintain Power 5 status.

According to The Athletic, the Big 12 is looking to expand. The schools reportedly being looked at as possible additions are BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, and Houston.

If the presidents and athletic directors of the other eight Big 12 schools can come to an agreement, this process can move quickly but it will also depend on if these four schools will agree to join the conference, which more than likely, they will.

“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,”  said Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby in a statement on Wednesday. “Future exploration by the group will continue to center on options that best position the long-term strength of the Conference.”

Oklahoma and Texas will officially leave the Big 12 by 2025.

The Big 12's current preference in expansion discussions is adding four members, sources tell @TheAthletic.

BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston are considered the leading contenders. Still a lot of work to be done.

More info: https://t.co/5V7wCpi0DH

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 2, 2021

Stacey Mickles

Veteran journalist Stacey Mickles graduated from the University of Alabama and covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.