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Report: Two Big 12 programs ‘made a run’ at joining B1G
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Rumors on conference realignment are spreading fast. Ever since it was reported that Texas and Oklahoma were interested in leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, there have been many speculative thoughts about what other schools could swap conferences.
With Texas and Oklahoma sending a formal statement to the Big 12 announcing their plan to exit the conference and filing a request to join the SEC this week, many wonder what it might mean for the B1G. Will the league also expand? And, if so, which schools would it be targeting?
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported recently that the B1G is interested in adding AAU schools (Association of American Universities). That was confirmed by Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman.
Bohls also reported that two Big 12 programs — Iowa State and Kansas — “made a run” at the B1G, but the source was unsure if either school would get anywhere.
I'm told Big Ten is so much more interested in AAU schools than Pac-12 is. I'm told Kansas and Iowa State (both AAU members) "made a run at Big Ten, but I don't know if they'll get any place," Big 12 source says.
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) July 27, 2021
There will likely be a lot of phone calls and conversations between the B1G and other schools looking to potentially join the league in the coming weeks and months. There could be several schools in the picture.
It’s going to be fascinating to watch as other leagues continue to scramble with the SEC on the verge of adding Texas and Oklahoma.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB