College football expansion: Big 12 gives update on realignment plans

The Big 12 hasn't been shy about wanting to take part in conference expansion as the college football landscape undergoes a major realignment

Much of the latest speculation around college football conference expansion and national realignment has centered around the Big 12, especially after the league loses historic brands Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC starting in 2024, and ever since that move became official, commissioner Brett Yormark has been on the offensive looking to put his conference in a better position.

Speaking at the opening of Big 12 Media Days, the commissioner said that while he didn't want to divulge any of his conference's plans or wishes in detail, he does appear to see the league expanding further in the future.

"We have a plan," Yormark said. "And we have a plan for expansion. I'm not really going to address it today. Hopefully we can execute that plan sooner, rather than later."

Yormark also seemed to leave open the possibility of the Big 12 potentially adding a team to the conference that is not currently a part of the Power Five.

"If they create value and align good with our goals and values, that's a conversation that's worth having," he said.

Other notable options in question now include adding a pair of renowned basketball schools, as insiders have revealed the Big 12 has been in contact with Gonzaga about possible membership, in addition to newfound interest in UConn, as well.

Yormark added that he's not interested in adding teams just to add teams.

"I do think there's strength in numbers," he said. "But I also said we're not chasing a number. If and when the opportunity presents itself to stay at 14, we'll pursue it. I did say that, and I backpedaled a little bit because I realized it's not about chasing a number."

BYU, Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF officially became members of the Big 12 on July 1, in time for the 2023 college football season, but the conference doesn't want to stop there.

"There's been no better time to be a part of the Big 12," he said. "It's going to grow. I'm really excited about our future."

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Big 12 rules out 1 team for realignment

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Big Ten scouts up 10 teams for expansion

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