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3 teams the Big 12 should invite to join conference

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Big 12 wrapped up its media days with some pretty big news: the board has asked commissioner Bob Bowlsby to look into schools that have interest in joining the Big 12.

The conference lost Nebraska and Colorado in 2011 along with Texas A&M and Missouri in 2012. The Big 12 added West Virginia and TCU the same year, but have remained at 12 teams ever since. With the big announcement today, here are three schools the conference should extend an invitation to:

Houston

A natural fit for the conference, located in Texas and currently the nation's fourth-biggest city, Houston was also part of the now-defunct Southwestern conference that included many teams now in the Big 12, like Texas, Texas Tech, and Baylor. The relatively close proximity to other member schools would lower travel expenses. The Cougars had one of their best seasons in a number of years in 2015, culminating with a win over Florida State in the Peach Bowl.

Memphis

The best way to get a conference's attention is corporate money. Memphis has this, with FedEx making the city it's headquarters. The company's chairman also pledged to be a major sponsor to the new Big 12 Championship Game. The university had also vowed to throw $500 million into upgrading its facilities.

Cincinnatti

Cincinnati just recently poured $86 million into upgrading Nippert Stadium, with luxury boxes, club seats, and a press box. The Bearcats have been a program on the rise the last 10 years, going to two BCS Bowl games and producing five double-digit win seasons. Cincinnati is also close to Big 12-outpost West Virginia, which would create a natural conference rival. Not that the Big 12 needs help in recruiting, but Ohio is rich in football prospects, and with satellite camps becoming the norm, having a team in Ohio won't hurt.

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