No one anticipated the latest announcement in the ever-evolving college football landscape. Following the SEC’s unanimous official vote on Thursday, it has been decided that Texas and Oklahoma will be welcomed into the conference. As a result, the Big 12 and other parties involved will experience further transformations.
The expanded playoff, which initially appeared to be the most significant news in the college football world this summer, has been surpassed by another development.
By 2025, at the latest, two of the largest brands in the Big 12 Conference will join the SEC in a significant and noteworthy change. The SEC has established its dominance in college football over the past decade, with notable teams like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia consistently excelling.
For fans of the SEC and those schools, this development undoubtedly brings excitement, but it likely signals the start of the downfall for the Big 12.
There is a possibility that it may consider adding other programs or exploring a potential partnership with another conference.
Naturally, this has a direct impact on the WVU Mountaineers and their future in all athletic endeavors.
Despite the legal transition not being possible until 2025, Texas and OU have the option to pay a substantial fine and make the move earlier. As a result, West Virginia sportsbooks may exclude both teams from their odds to win the Big 12 after this occurrence.
At present, the future of college football and numerous other sports appears highly uncertain.
SEC Approves Texas-OU Invitation
The rumblings about Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC began a week ago, but the official invitation from the SEC confirms the reality of this decision.
After informing the Big 12 that they would not be renewing their grants of media rights, the two entities proceeded to apply for the conference. It is worth noting that the said deal is also scheduled to expire in 2025.
It’s quite astonishing that this story is unraveling merely a month prior to the commencement of college football. Despite indications that both schools will remain for the upcoming season, there remains a slight possibility that this might not be completely certain.
Although the paperwork indicates that the colleges will officially become a part of the SEC in July 2025, there is a strong likelihood that it may happen as early as next year.
In a statement, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey expressed his excitement about the inclusion of renowned college sports figures. ESPN reported that Sankey described the unanimous vote as a symbol of the SEC’s enduring unity and collaborative approach, while also acknowledging the remarkable academic and athletic legacies established by the universities of Oklahoma and Texas.
However, it is important to consider that there are always two sides to every story. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby expressed a contrasting perspective while discussing the matter. Bowlsby stated:
We express our disappointment that these discussions progressed without informing or involving other Big 12 members. While we have concerns regarding the process and the overall well-being of college athletics, we are committed to ensuring that the student-athletes from both universities have a positive experience during their remaining four years of participation and competition in the Big 12 Conference.
He has a positive outlook, anticipating that the Sooners and Longhorns will continue their participation in the Big 12 until 2025. However, if either of the programs decides to depart before that time, they will be required to pay a minimum of $75 million in fees.
According to the conference bylaws, schools are required to provide a notice period of 18 months before taking any action.
WVU Sports Impacted
It is undeniable that the departure of two colleges for a different conference holds much greater significance than merely a change in affiliation. With the absence of OU and Texas, the Big 12’s chances of sending a team to the College Football Playoff have significantly diminished, rendering them an unlikely contender.
Since the implementation of the College Football Playoff in 2014, Oklahoma has achieved four individual playoff appearances.
The significance of football in this discussion stems from the substantial financial contributions it generates for conferences and schools. Typically, the teams and conferences that achieve greater success tend to generate higher profits.
In 2020, the Big 12 conference allocated approximately $40 million to each of its members, while the SEC conference distributed nearly $46 million to each of its colleges. Additionally, the SEC boasts a larger membership with 14 teams, in contrast to the Big 12’s 10 teams.
In light of the SEC’s newfound ability to establish a super league, it is crucial for the other conferences to adapt promptly to avoid being left in the dust.
Interestingly, all this activity is occurring just as we near the inaugural year where college athletes are permitted to earn income from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
With its impressive reputation in both football and basketball, WVU possesses various possibilities for its upcoming venture.
The possibility of joining the ACC remains uncertain, as it hinges on the reaction of the Big 12.
Speculation is circulating that the conference might consider incorporating highly acclaimed football programs, such as Houston, Boise State, BYU, UCF, and SMU.
Although it is possible to include these programs in the Big 12, it would not significantly counter the SEC’s dominant position.
Alternatively, creating a new super conference by merging with the Pac-12 seems to be a more feasible solution. The possibility of this was reportedly brought up during the recent Big 12 conference call, as reported by The Athletic.
Clearly, there are numerous aspects to consider in the future. The reaction of the Big 12 will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications in the realm of college sports.
Make the most of this upcoming college football season as it could potentially be the final one with the Big 12 as we currently recognize it.
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