Three reasons Utah fans should be thrilled about joining the Big 12

Utah will have a chance to be the premier program in the conference

After a year of uncertainty surrounding the Pac-12, this past week appeared to be the last hurrah for the conference that once had the richest television deal in college sports. 

Following losses of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten last July, the Pac-12 essentially had a year to figure out a future without them. In the process, the Big 12 was able to gain serious momentum after losing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC. The Big 12 also appeared to be able to get some revenge on the Pac-12 who opted to not merge with them or help out any Big 12 teams when their conference seemed to be in trouble.

The Big 12 was not only able to expand enough to get back 12 teams, but they also  were able to secure a media rights deal before the Pac-12. They then turned their attention to poaching the four corner schools of the Pac-12, and while it took until the last couple weeks for anyone to budge, they got them. 

Of the four corner schools, which consist of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, the move was great for all of them but an argument can be made that on the gridiron Utah benefits the most right away. Here are three reasons that Utah fans should love this move for their favorite program.

1. Stability and exposure

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This one shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. We saw over the last year that the Pac-12's leadership wasn't going to be able to get the job done for these programs. They were unable to take advantage of multiple expansion opportunities with Texas and Oklahoma over a decade ago, and they missed out again when Big 12 schools wanted to join the conference following the departure of those two schools to the SEC. Need not forget the fact that they had a whole year to expand and decided against it. In terms of exposure, the Big 12 will be able offer even more primetime slots for the Utes. The conference overall has done a great job of solidifying their future whereas the Pac-12 appeared to always be playing catch up. 

2. Face of the conference

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Outside of TCU who was one of the most-watched teams in 2022, the Big 12 is consistent of programs that do not have the appeal of being the faces of a conference. Arguments could be made for Colorado with Deion Sanders or Oklahoma State, but until those programs establish dominance it is up for grabs. Utah is currently in the midst of some of their best football days in program history with three 10 win seasons in four years. On top of that, TCU assembled one of their best recruiting classes ever and still didn't bring in a top-25 class. If Utah can continue their strong performances, they can easily take claim of the Big 12. 

3. Holy War has more meaning than ever

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The matchup between Utah and BYU has always meant something, but now that they are both in the Big 12 it will be recognized as one of the best rivalries in the sport. It feels fair to say that it has often been overlooked around the country, but with more people having a chance to see this game it will only add to the magnitude. Following the loss of Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 lacked a meaningful rivalry game but this game can also be that. It's not the same as Red River, but it's certainly a nice consolation. Also, the cherry on top of this whole move is the fact that now when they play there will be conference title implications on the line. Buckle up!