Multiple reports surfaced earlier today that four prominent Pac-12 programs are meeting with the Big 12 regarding expansion. This follows the announcement that USC & UCLA would leave the Pac-12 and join the Big Ten.
247 Reported yesterday that four teams were discussing a move with the Big 12. However, further developments this morning indicate the move is likely. Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado met with the Big 12 to discuss expansion opportunities. It is now very likely that we could see an announcement within the next week.
When USC and UCLA announced their move to the Big Ten, the Big 12 and its new commissioner, Brett Yormark, announced they would aggressively pursue new members. Today is showcasing the reality of that possibility. We will likely see the four Pac-12 members join the Big 12 later this week. Reports seem to be reaffirming that we expect the four teams to leave the Pac-12 and join a third player in the super conference race.
The Pac-12 Will Reportedly Lose Most Major Members
“This is all a fluid situation and things can change, but the general belief is that the Pac-12 will be difficult to save. Oregon and Washington are both actively looking to get out of the conference, Stanford is rumored to be a serious candidate to join the Big 10 with Notre Dame, and the other conferences such as the Mountain West don’t have the market impact to keep the Pac-12 as a serious conference,” A source from 247 claimed.
Earlier this week I discussed Oklahoma State and the Big 12’s incredible position with expansion. It seems all but finished that the Big 12 will find multiple new members in the next few days. We can expect Oregon and Washington to also actively conversate with the Big 12. This comes after the Big Ten claimed they would take no further Pac 12 programs at this time.
The Big 12’s member count would rise to 16 (excluding OU & Texas) with the addition of Arizona, ASU, Colorado, and Utah. This assumes no other Pac-12 teams would follow in the four programs’ path to the Big 12.
It is a bright day for the conference. The Big 12 is on the cusp of new horizons to compete with the Big Ten & SEC.
