Big 12 expansion: 5 teams the conference should covet
The time has come for the Big 12 to validate its name and expand from 10 to 12 teams. The leaders of the conference's schools will meet in the coming weeks to consider adding two teams.
At the moment, the Big 12 doesn't have enough members to operate on a divisional system like the other Power 5 conferences. As a result, there is no conference championship game for football. While Oklahoma was the clear-cut winner in 2015, and qualified for the College Football Playoff, the previous year saw its co-champions, Baylor and TCU, left out of the national semifinals.
It's time for the conference to solidify its chances for the conference in upcoming seasons. Here are four candidates for new additions:
SMU
Pros: SMU is located centrally in Dallas, Texas, and features an excellent top 25 basketball program under Larry Brown (minus the infractions).
Cons: Football program is currently atrocious, and stadium only seats 32,000 people.
From a basketball perspective, SMU fits perfectly in the Big 12's plans. Unfortunately, it's football that's driving conference expansion, and the Mustangs are atrocious in that department. Chad Morris was an inspired hire by the program prior to 2015, but a 2-10 record in his first season quickly saw any excitement dissipate. The Big 12 already has a train-wreck football program in Kansas, they don't need another in SMU.
South Florida
Pros: Would give the Big 12 a foothold in the talent-rich state of Florida. Large school with an enrollment of more than 48,000 students, and a 65,000-seat football stadium. Excellent TV market to expand the product. Vastly improved football program under Willie Taggart.
Cons: Nowhere near any other Big 12 school. Basketball program is coming off an 8-25 season.
With more than 950 miles between South Florida's campus in Tampa Bay and the next closest Big 12 school in West Virginia, this move doesn't make sense geographically. However, having a foothold in Florida will be an attractive feature to South Florida.
Houston
Pros: Excellent location in the state of Texas. Large school and football stadium with one of the fastest-rising programs in the country. Top 10 television market in Houston. Basketball program rising under Kelvin Sampson.
Cons: There aren't really any. This makes too much sense.
This is a no-brainer and needs to happen immediately. The football program has become a powerhouse under Tom Herman, and a move to the Big 12 would only increase the chances he sticks with the Cougars. Sampson has shown he can recruit and be a top-notch college basketball coach. Houston's television market is certainly desirable as well.
BYU
Pros: Both football and basketball programs have a great tradition, and are competitive on an annual basis. Massive stadium for football with a rabid fan base that would easily add excitement to the conference.
Cons: Almost 900 miles to Texas Tech, the closest Big 12 school. Brings its own television network, which hasn't exactly been a slam-dunk success with the Longhorn Network.
The distance is certainly a deterrent for BYU, but other than that, this move makes a lot of sense. The football team is traditionally strong, as is the basketball program, and the rabid fan base gives another impressive television market. While 900-mile road trips are less than ideal, the program's background is strong enough to overlook the distance.
Memphis
Pros: Would immediately start a "BBQ War" between Memphis and the entire state of Texas. Basketball program is traditionally strong, with an up-and-coming football program.
Cons: Basketball attendance and interest has declined drastically the past two seasons at Memphis. With Justin Fuente leaving for Virginia Tech, worries the football team will fall back are well founded.
The Tigers had a great season on the football field, but a move for Memphis would be mostly based around the basketball program. The Big 12 is already arguably the best basketball conference in the country, so it's likely the members would opt for a stronger football program.