Oklahoma, Texas release vague statements in response to SEC realignment reports

According to the Houston Chronicle, Oklahoma and Texas have explored a departure to the SEC in recent months.

The Sooners and Longhorns both released statements in response on Wednesday afternoon, but neither did much to deny those reports.

The statements are eerily similar and vague:

A Texas spokesman has this statement about the SEC rumors: "Speculation swirls around collegiate athletics. We will not address rumors or speculation."

— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) July 21, 2021

Oklahoma statement on SEC reports: “The college athletics landscape is shifting constantly. We don’t address every anonymous rumor.” #Sooners

— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) July 21, 2021

The Big 12’s Grant of Rights contract is set to expire after the 2024 season. However, it’s possible a resolution could be reached in the (relatively) immediate future.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s report, an announcement could come “within a couple of weeks.”

If either Big 12 school does decide to depart before the expiration of the contract, it would be an expensive maneuver.

According to documents obtained by Yahoo!’s Pete Thamel, it would cost the equivalent of the final two years of a program’s Membership distribution. In 2019-20 the Big 12 reportedly distributed $37.7 million to each of its member institutions.

A peek at the process of leaving the Big 12, which would be expensive if a school left before the grant of right expired after the 2024 football season. pic.twitter.com/BxjMM70Oe7

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 21, 2021

Oklahoma State has also issued a statement on the matter. It’s currently unclear what options the remaining Big 12 schools would have if Oklahoma and Texas bolt for the SEC:

Oklahoma State on reports of Oklahoma & Texas having interest in leaving Big 12 for SEC pic.twitter.com/uzlGqcHiEs

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 21, 2021