For the second consecutive year the Big 12 is likely to fall apart. Last season Colorado and Nebraska announced they were leaving the conference for greener pastures. The Cornhuskers are a national powerhouse with a rich history. Their loss was a devastating blow for the Big 12. This season Texas A&M bolted for the SEC. Much like Nebraska, the Aggies are respected nationally and vacating the Big 12 leaves the conference’s future much in doubt.
With the Pac-12 calling, the Longhorn network in full swing, and the SEC waiting, the Big 12 does not have a chance to survive. The only question that remains is where will the final nine teams end up?
As Andy Staples of Sports Illustrated reports, the future depends on Oklahoma.
Missouri is the most attractive of the candidates not predicted to join the Pac-12. Unfortunately for the Big East, the SEC is also looking for another member—The Tigers would likely be that school. Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, and Iowa State look to be the only schools not being wooed by any conference. Certainly the Jayhawks and Wildcats would be attractive for the basketball side of the Big East, but what about football?
The only concrete fact surrounding NCAA expansion right now is that Oklahoma holds the cards. Rumors will continue to fly until they make a move.