Houston may have its sights set on joining the Big 12, but the Cougars have also apparently explored the possibility of entering other Power-5 conferences.
Within the last year, Houston officials have internally discussed joining not only the Big 12, but the Pac-12, ACC, and Big Ten, too, according to emails obtained by Joseph Duarte and Ben Wermund of the Houston Chronicle.
Furthermore, Cougars athletic director Hunter Yurachek reportedly held separate in-person meetings with Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany last fall.
Still, Houston's preference is said to lie in joining the Big 12. Last winter, Houston sent holiday cards to Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby and all 10 member school presidents. Houston also sent various flattering emails to university leaders of Big 12 schools over the last year, including one to TCU in February.
"Just writing to say hello in case you are in Houston, let me know," chancellor Renu Khator wrote. "The football season turned out very interesting for both of us. I loved your game against Baylor particularly. In any event, it would be lovely to see you again."
Brochure @UHouston officials have worked on since last summer as part of pitch to join Big 12 | @BenjaminEW pic.twitter.com/uFb3Vv9j9j
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) August 5, 2016
Not every Houston official is in favor of the Big 12, however. In another email, Houston provost Paula Short wrote about the ACC possibly having strong interest the school. Short noted the ACC doesn't have a member from Texas, and "I suspect would love to have that door opened."
