The Athletic: Big 12 could be “in peril” without Texas and Oklahoma

Ari Wasserman says the Big 12 could be in peril without Texas and Oklahoma recruiting.

Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the Big 12. They could take recruiting and relevance with them to the SEC according to one national writer.

Ari Wasserman of The Athletic discussed what losing Oklahoma and Texas could mean for Big 12 recruiting. He described the loss of the two powerhouse programs as one that could put Big 12 recruiting “in peril.”

Those who follow the league closely are probably more optimistic than that. Last offseason, we looked at the Big 12 as a sinking ship. Albeit, what TCU accomplished on the field last season makes it appear like the league might be just fine. It is, however, losing several top end players with the Longhorns and Sooners leaving the conference.

What is the Big 12 losing? Both Oklahoma and Texas earned Top 4 recruiting classes in the last cycle. The next best class came from last season’s national runner up, TCU. The best the Horned Frogs could muster following a title appearance was the No. 20 class in the country. The next best recruiting class in the conference was Texas Tech at No. 28.

With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, the top six recruiting classes in the country for 2023 included five SEC teams in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and LSU. Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State came in at No. 5. The SEC had nine of the Top 20 recruiting classes with TCU standing as the Big 12’s lone Top 20 class.

The blue chip ratio doesn’t lie. You need 50% or more of your team to be comprised of four-star or better players to win a national championship. It’s why, barring a surge in talent acquisition by the Horned Frogs or Red Raiders, the Big 12 won’t be winning any national titles any time soon. If they get there we could see more results like last season’s title game.

The Big 12 isn’t in peril. Nevertheless, it will never be the same.