Who will be added to the Big 12 in 2024?

By Jason Bolton April 02, 2024 12:09

Photo by Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The college sports landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the Big 12 Conference set to expand to 16 members beginning in the 2024-25 season.

This expansion comes as a result of the recent additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, which will undoubtedly reshape the competitive dynamics within the conference.

Background and Realignment Moves

The Big 12 Conference has been at the center of significant realignment moves that have reshaped the college sports landscape.

The recent additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah have expanded the conference to 16 teams, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Big 12.

These realignment moves have been characterized by a strategic vision to strengthen the conference's competitive prowess and geographical reach.

The addition of these four schools has been part of a broader realignment process that has seen major shifts in the college football landscape.

The PAC-12 conference witnessed the departure of several teams, leading to a ripple effect across multiple conferences.

The SEC, Big Ten, and ACC have also been involved in significant realignment moves, further emphasizing the evolving nature of collegiate sports.

Big 12 Expansion and Divisional Structure

With the Big 12 set to welcome Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, the conference is poised to implement a new divisional structure to accommodate the expanded membership.

The conference's commissioner, Brett Yormark, has indicated the potential for the Big 12 to adopt a two-division format for football, similar to other major conferences with 15+ members.

Scenarios for Divisional Alignment

Scenario 1 - East and West

One potential divisional alignment for the expanded Big 12 involves organizing teams into East and West divisions.

This scenario takes into account the geographical distribution of schools, with a focus on creating balanced divisions while accommodating the new additions.

The East division could include schools such as Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia.

On the other hand, the West division would comprise Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, TCU, Texas Tech, and Utah, forming a competitive landscape for intra-divisional matchups.

Scenario 2 - North and South

Another proposed divisional alignment entails creating North and South divisions within the Big 12.

The North division may consist of BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Utah, and West Virginia. Meanwhile, the South division would potentially include Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Central Florida, Houston, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas Tech, offering a unique set of matchups and rivalries within the conference.

Impact on Competitive Landscape

The expansion of the Big 12 and the subsequent formation of divisions will have a profound impact on the competitive landscape of the conference.

The addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah introduces new competitive dynamics and creates opportunities for compelling matchups across various sports, particularly football and basketball.

The enhanced depth of the conference will elevate the level of competition, leading to intensified rivalries and increased visibility for the member schools.

Additionally, the expanded geographical footprint of the Big 12 will open up new markets and fanbases, further solidifying the conference's position as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics.

Future Outlook and Integration Process

As the Big 12 prepares to welcome the new member schools, Commissioner Brett Yormark has emphasized the importance of an efficient integration process.

The conference's focus on integrating the incoming schools quickly and effectively underscores the commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for all parties involved.

This proactive approach reflects the conference's dedication to fostering a cohesive and collaborative environment as it enters a new era with expanded membership and heightened competitiveness.

The addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, along with the potential divisional realignment, heralds a new chapter in the history of the Big 12.

The strategic vision underlying these realignment moves underscores the conference's commitment to sustained growth, enhanced competitiveness, and geographical diversity.

As the Big 12 prepares for the 2024-25 season, the anticipation surrounding the integration of the new member schools and the formation of divisions sets the stage for an exciting and compelling era in collegiate athletics.

For more updates and insights on the Big 12's expansion and other college sports developments, stay connected with us on Facebook @MountaineersNow and Twitter @MountaineersNow for future coverage.