What teams are the AAC and going to the Big 12?

By Oliver Wiener May 09, 2024 04:51

The landscape of college sports has been constantly evolving, with conferences seeing shifts in membership and teams transitioning from one conference to another.

One of the recent developments in this regard has been the movement of teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) to the Big 12 Conference.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the teams currently in the AAC and delve into which ones are transitioning to the Big 12.

Current Teams in the AAC

The American Athletic Conference, often referred to as "The American," is a collegiate athletic conference comprising schools from the NCAA's Division I. As of the 2021-2022 academic year, the AAC consists of the following member institutions:

Cincinnati Bearcats
East Carolina Pirates
Houston Cougars
Memphis Tigers
SMU Mustangs
Temple Owls
Tulane Green Wave
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
UCF Knights
USF Bulls
Wichita State Shockers (non-football member)

The conference has been known for its competitive programs in various sports, including football and basketball. These member institutions have contributed to the overall strength and competitiveness of the AAC across different athletic disciplines.

Transition of Teams to the Big 12

The Big 12 Conference, another prominent collegiate athletic conference, has undergone changes in its membership with teams joining from other conferences, including the AAC.

The Big 12 Conference had experienced departures of several member institutions in recent years, leading to an opportunity for new teams to join and bolster its competitive profile. The following AAC teams are in the process of transitioning to the Big 12 Conference:

Cincinnati Bearcats

The University of Cincinnati Bearcats, a well-established athletic program with a strong emphasis on football and basketball, is set to transition from the AAC to the Big 12 Conference.

This move is expected to elevate the competitive strength of the Big 12 and open up new opportunities for the Bearcats to compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

Houston Cougars

The University of Houston Cougars, known for its successful football and basketball programs, is also making the transition from the AAC to the Big 12 Conference.

This move is significant not only for the Cougars but also for the Big 12, as it adds a competitive edge to the conference and expands its reach into new markets.

UCF Knights

The University of Central Florida Knights, a rising force in college athletics with notable achievements in football and basketball, are poised to join the Big 12 Conference.

This transition presents an exciting prospect for the Knights to test their mettle against top-tier competition in the Big 12, while also enhancing the overall stature of the conference.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that the transitions of these AAC teams to the Big 12 Conference signify a shift in the competitive dynamics of both conferences. The addition of these teams brings a wealth of athletic talent and a history of success to the Big 12, creating new opportunities for rivalries and high-stakes matchups.

Implications and Expectations

The movement of teams from the AAC to the Big 12 holds implications for the competitive balance, market reach, and overall visibility of both conferences. As these transitions unfold, there are several expectations and potential outcomes to consider:

Enhanced Competition: The addition of Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF to the Big 12 is expected to elevate the level of competition within the conference, leading to more compelling matchups and heightened rivalries.
Increased Visibility: With the inclusion of these new teams, the Big 12 Conference is poised to expand its reach into key media markets, attracting broader attention and exposure for its athletic programs.
Realignment Effects: The transitions may also prompt further realignment discussions and decisions within the college sports landscape, as conferences seek to adapt to the evolving collegiate athletic environment.
Recruiting Impact: The move to the Big 12 can have a significant impact on the recruiting efforts of the transitioning AAC teams, as they position themselves to compete at a higher level and attract top talent.

The current landscape of collegiate sports is witnessing significant changes with teams transitioning from the AAC to the Big 12 Conference.

The addition of Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF to the Big 12 holds promise for heightened competition, expanded market reach, and increased visibility for both conferences.

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