Big Ten Expansion: Big 12

One of the weakest remaining conferences, with many of the schools contiguous with existing Big Ten states, the Big 12 is a ripe candidate for Big Ten expansion. Let's look at the options.

Kansas
Pros: One of the strongest basketball programs in the country, with a national following. Member of the AAU. Already has a history with future member Nebraska, and relatively close to other schools.

Cons: Weak football. One of the main reasons for expansion is to get more people to watch the BTN, and Kansas is a relatively small, slow growing state. Also more conservative than many other Big Ten states, with a different history.

Missouri
Pros: Practically surrounded by BT states, with a strong history with Illinois, as well as Nebraska. Kind of part of the South as well as the Midwest, which might bring new appeal. Strong in basketball, and not bad in football. State is medium sized, but growing.

Cons: The BTN is already available in St. Louis, which means it would not necessarily grab new viewers. Not quite nationally prominent in football or basketball yet, although this could change with continued success.Also not quite as academically prestigious as many other current BT schools, although this could change.

University of Texas
Pros: Texas is a very large, rapidly growing state. School is good at all sports, with many devoted alumni. Also academically prestigious.

Cons: One of the reasons the Big 12 is so much in danger of breaking up is because Texas controlled everything. They took the largest share of the money and dominated everyone. This could jeopardize the cooperative nature of the Big Ten.

Texas A&M
Pros: Would probably be part of a package deal involving UT. Has been good at football in the past, and is good at basketball. Would also do a lot to open up the Texas market, and is considered academically solid.

Cons: Hasn't been good at football for a while, and is culturally very different from all existing Big Ten schools.


The addition of Nebraska makes it easier to add more Big 12 schools, but it remains to be seen which ones would be advantageous to the Big Ten.