With USC and UCLA leaving the PAC 12, expansion and conference realignment finds themselves the topic of conversation once again. This time, however, Oklahoma State (OSU) and the Big 12 are no longer the subjects of threat. Rather, they may be the products of benefit.
When Oklahoma and Texas announced their departure from the Big 12, the Cowboys’ future felt uncertain along with their conference counterpart. Some fans might have expressed a sense of fear, imminent doom, and an immediate uproar to leave the Big 12. Now, Pac 12 and all of its programs are experiencing the same storm of emotions and uncertainty. It is a scary time for both fans and the athletic departments.
What can the Big 12 look like with possible expansion?
Earlier this year four programs (Cincinnati, Houston, UCF and BYU) were accepted into the Big 12. With the Pac-12 appearing to implode their expansion efforts may not be finished. Currently, the conference appears as the graphic below (Geographically and logistically)
On Wednesday the Big 12 announced the arrival of its new commissioner Brett Yormark. A statement from the Big 12 was presented online where the conference expressed a new aggressive pursuit of Pac-12 programs. “We’re not sitting back this time. That killed us in the past. We’re looking to strengthen our conference,” one source quoted from the Big 12. It appears by all accounts that Yormark will present a new face in the realignment phase.
What if the Big 12 succeeds in its PAC 12 pursuit?
What would a “Pac 12” pursuit look like for the Big 12? Let’s take a look at a genuine possibility! Our graphic below showcases such.
This would bring the Big 12’s total member count to 20. If the conference is to go for the Pac 12’s throat it is expected that ‘state pairs’ would remain together as reported by John Canzano on Twitter yesterday.
https://twitter.com/johncanzanobft/status/1542956359133515776
This is a fantastic look for the Big 12 and would compete for both at an athletic level and TV market level, however, this is even more sensational news for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are one of the biggest brands left in the Big 12, if not the biggest, and will likely find its name in the next pool of realignment. Last year, the Cowboys averaged over 1 million more views on average than Texas. Their TV viewability is huge and the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Pac 12 would all benefit from OSU joining the conference.
Why Oklahoma State is going to benefit, regardless of what happens.
The SEC will look to compete with the Big Ten with the addition of USC & UCLA. Clemson has been a rumor for quite some time but don’t count out the Pokes and their name in this market. Competitively alone, OSU has been one of the most successful teams over the last 12-15 seasons and continues to grow under coach Mike Gundy. When the original ‘implosion” occurred with OU & Texas leaving the conference the Cowboys were in constant discussion with multiple teams. Primarily, the Big Ten, where the only issue that denied the rumor flame was an academic certification called AAU.
In its current state, Oklahoma State is the head of the Big 12 and is holding the pieces together. They hold all the power to make whatever decision presents itself. Move to the SEC, the Big Ten, or stay in the Big 12. Now with the Pac-12 coming undone OSU might be able to lead the charge for a 3rd player in the super conference race. Welcoming Oregon, Washington, and others. Or the Cowboys could pack its bags, call the Big Ten, and make a deal to join USC & UCLA. How about following OU and Texas? Join the SEC as they look to compete with the Big Ten’s new additions. The possibilities are endless and the Pokes can sit back and enjoy the ride.
It’s amazing how much a few months can change a single team’s outlook. For OSU, they now may be in one of the best positions amongst the remaining teams in the country, Certainly, they are in the best seat in the Big 12 and could benefit from virtually any decision they make. If you were to ask Stillwater when OU packed its bags to the SEC that they would benefit from the decision they would have called you crazy. Now, the Big 12 may find itself as one of the BIG 3 conferences and the Cowboys will be leading the way.