The midpoint of the summer brings the annual conference media day circuit. And while we will have to wait a couple of more weeks before we soak in what is sure to be a jam-packed Big Ten media day event, the Big 12 will bring plenty of reasons to be paying close attention this week.
The Big 12 media days will be held on Wednesday and Thursday of this week in Arlington, Texas. With all of the news swirling about with conference expansion in the Big Ten and the possibility of the Big 12 picking up some Pac-12 members in the fallout, there will be plenty to pay attention to with the Big 12 this week.
Don’t expect too many coaches or players to say things of importance though when it comes to what the Big Ten is most interetsed in. Instead, pay attention to the insider stories trying to dig up as much behind-the-scenes info they can as we all try to figure out just what happens next for the Big 12. The Big 12 has reportedly been in discussions to some degree with up to six current Pac-12 members, some of which could be potential Big Ten targets if the Big Ten chose to continue with a westward expansion to follow up its recent additions of USC and UCLA. It would make sense for the Big 12 to want to be on a somewhat accelerated path to any potential expansion moves or partnerships with the remaining Pac-12 members to prevent any more Big Ten expansion at the expense of either conference.
We’ll also be keeping an eye on any developments about two outgoing Big 12 members, Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners and Longhorns are still scheduled to join the SEC in 2026, but with the Big 12 preparing to add a handful of new members beginning next year, it would seem likely Oklahoma and Texas will be allowed to step out the exit door earlier than planned. Whether we see any traction on that development during the Big 12 media days remains to be seen, but it will likely be on the radar.
The Big 12 once was thought to be left for dead, but it does appear there is some path to relative stability in front of it. Expect plenty of sounds of unity from the Big 12 in the coming days, but know that if the Big Ten does come ready to pounce, the Big 12 and Pac-12 could always be shaken just a little bit more.
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