Big 12 expansion is something that has been talked about a lot over the years with plenty of different scenarios being created to explore potential shifts in the conference structure. One of the problems that the Big 12 would deal with is ending up with a watered down product where there are too many non-contenders that corrupt the overall perception of the conference. However, there is a group of teams that at least on paper appear more than capable of making the transition and holding their own should the door be open to them. Here is a look at the four best programs that could join the Big 12 if the league decides to expand.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati has been very public and aggressive with its ambition to join the Big 12. At this point it might only be a matter of time before they make the leap. The Bearcats have had a solid roster for the past couple of years including going to back-to-back BCS bowls and winning 70-percent of their games over the last nine years. They play a similar type of style that works with the Big 12, which is an emphasis on offense and a neglect of defense. Cincinnati has upgraded its facilities to make for a smooth transition and they even have a coach who used to coach in the conference: Tommy Tuberville. It will be very interesting to see if they join the Big 12 at some point in the very near future.
Central Florida Knights
The Knights play in SEC territory in the vicinity of Florida and Florida State and would willingly jump at the opportunity to play in a Power Five conference. Central Florida has done an excellent job with its branding over the years including the development of top quarterback Blake Bortles and new head coach Scott Frost brings a young, motivated, winning attitude to a program that appears to have an upward trajectory. The Big 12 doesn’t need to be in Florida but with an emerging football program on the way up it makes sense that the Knights would be a strong fit.
Houston Cougars
Houston has money, a new stadium, a highly regarded head coach in Tom Herman, and a roster that is absolutely loaded with talent. And then there’s the local rivalries. Houston versus Texas…Houston versus TCU…Houston versus Oklahoma…all of those would be tantalizing showdowns. And is it even possible that Houston is better than Texas these days? Add it all up and those elements make it a legitimate pick to move to the Big 12 at some point.
However, the Big 12 is already firmly entrenched in Texas and that is one reason why the conference might be hesitant to make the move. The Cougars could very well start the 2016 season in the top-10 nationally and it will be very interesting to see how they fare this season and the impact their results have on their future.
BYU Cougars
The Cougars appear to be the best football option as a school that already invests in the game at the level of a Power Five school. BYU has a massive following and there is no doubt that from a football perspective, they would fit right in. The big question would be whether or not it would make sense to have a third private religious school in the conference – especially when you consider that the Cougars don’t play football on Sundays. There has been talk about the potential for BYU to move to the Big 12 for a couple of years now so it will be very interesting to see how things unfold and how high the Cougars are on the list if the Big 12 does move forward with expansion.
Honorable Mention
If it’s not one of the aforementioned teams that makes the expansion list, there are a number of other options that the conference could target. Connecticut is having a rough go of things these days but they’re an option. South Florida and Central Florida could both be targets. Tulane is another team that could be in the mix , but they’re more of a filler than a sexy brand that would add to the conference.
