Stanford and Cal reportedly exploring the possibility of joining the Big 12

Another option for the remains four Pac-12 schools has surfaced

We are well aware of the Pac-12's embracing collapse, but there are still four programs left looking for a home.

Stanford and Cal are in a peculiar position because in one sense they control what Oregon State and Washington State are able to do, but in the other they are also left waiting and hoping. The two Bay Area programs have been linked to the ACC for a couple weeks now, and while they were just one vote short and there have been financial plans discussed to add them, they have not yet been invited. The clear cut vibes coming from the two programs is that they want to be in a Power 5 program, but they need that interest to be reciprocated.

On Saturday, we learned via a report from the San Francisco Chronicle that Stanford and Cal have begun looking into the possibility of joining the Big 12. The conference has already taken in four other Pac-12 programs, and has been one of the main aggressors in this latest realignment wave. 

The report indicated that if Stanford and Cal aren't invited to the ACC invites by the middle of next week, that their discussions with the Big 12 will get that much more serious. If they do end up heading towards the Big 12 option, Michael Silver of the SF Chronicle also reported that Oregon State and Washington State would also be joining them as well. 

Something that many didn't think would happen due to the fact that the Big 12 was reportedly no longer interested in pursuing the remaining programs. 

However, this move makes a ton of sense for all three parties. Stanford and Cal would be much closer to their Big 12 opponents and will get a nice chunk of the media rights deal, the Big 12 can continue to raise their brand, and Oregon State and Washington State would remain at the Power 5 level.

Stanford head coach Troy Taylor has already addressed the fact he is confident that Stanford will end up in a Power 5, and it appears now they have another suitor.