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)
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Logan Smothers #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks over the line against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
Hail Mary Options
While it is unlikely that any of the following candidates would consider joining the Big 12, it would be unwise for Yormark to not at least see where the interest is of the following teams.
Nebraska and Missouri – Both of these schools don’t fit in their conference. Nebraska has butted heads with the Big 10 since day one and Missouri just does not fit the culture of the SEC. Both joined their conferences in what appeared to be “greener grass” but may be having second thoughts.
Florida State and Miami – If the Big 10 or SEC decided to take Clemson, both of these teams would stick out as the clear leaders in the ACC. If the Big 12 already had some bigger names like an Arizona State or Utah, maybe one or both would jump to the Big 12. This would also give UCF a nice rival.
Oregon and Washington – Yes, it already appears that these two are next to join the Big 10, but maybe the Big 12 can get them first. If the Big 12 got the Arizona schools and Utah, maybe Oregon and Washington would start to sweat a bit and join as well.
Clemson – This is a huge Hail Mary and likely won’t happen, but maybe the kings of the ACC don’t want the smoke of the SEC and want to continue to dominate in a big league. Can’t hurt to ask.
Notre Dame –
Notre Dame is Independent in large part because they have a contract with the ACC. If the ACC starts to crumble, Notre Dame likely would be able to keep much of their freedom in the Big 12, or at least a lot more than in the Big 10 who likes to restrict things more.
