LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils looks to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Badgers defeated the Sun Devils 20-13. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Is it time for the Big 12 to expand again?
Apr 8, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Nets chief executive officer Brett Yormark during pre-game warmups against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Time to Strike, NOW
Brett Yormark was probably hoping to sit back and enjoy a few weeks of summer while learning the ropes of how to be a P5 commissioner. That ended however less than 24 hours after he accepted the job.
The reality is, the Big 10 and SEC appear to be making a move to essentially create an AFC and NFC of college football and leave everyone else in the dust. Don’t believe me?
If the Big 10 added Oregon, Washington and Notre Dame and the SEC added Florida State, Miami, and Clemson which huge market teams are left? Sure the west coast would be pretty thin, but as far as teams with a huge market and following, the two conferences would monopolize essentially everyone.
Because of that reason, the Big 12 needs to expand to at least 16 and probably 18 or 20 teams. Yes that sounds crazy, but if the Big 12 can get most of the rest of the Pac 12, there would still be enough of a following to keep the Big 12 relevant, at least for the short term future, which is all that the conference can ask for.
But which teams should the Big 12 target? Do you go for markets, history, recent success or a combination of the three? Or of course, the Big 12 could throw a Hail Mary and see if anything sticks. Let’s take a look at all four.
