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Still hope for the Big 12? Conference’s executive committee meets with Oklahoma, Texas
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The Big 12 might still have a chance to retain its two biggest brands. At least that’s the hope commissioner Bob Bowlsby is clinging to as momentum increases for Oklahoma and Texas to bolt for the SEC.
Sunday, the Big 12 released a statement saying that its executive committee met with presidents from Oklahoma and Texas to discuss the ongoing situation. Last week, it was reported that the two biggest names in the conference were looking at departing and heading to the SEC.
It’s not a done deal at this time, but there’s been serious steam heading in that direction.
“The Big 12 Conference Executive Committee, consisting of Big 12 Board of Directors chairman and Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec and Baylor University President Linda Livingstone; and Commissioner Bob Bowlsby met by video conference Sunday afternoon with University of Oklahoma President Joe Harroz and University of Texas President Jay Hartzell,” the Big 12 said in a statement.
“The meeting was cordial, and the Executive Committee expressed a willingness to discuss proposals that would strengthen the Conference and be mutually beneficial to OU and UT, as well as the other member institutions of the Conference,” Bowlsby said. “I expect that we will continue our conversations in the days ahead and we look forward to discussing thoughts, ideas and concepts that may be of shared interest and impact.”
A few days ago, it seemed like a done deal. All that was left (essentially) was the dotting of “Is” and crossing of “Ts” before the move was official. But there might still be some hope for the Big 12.
It’s an important week ahead in conference realignment.
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