Big 12 Expansion: How Four New Schools Shape the Conferences Future

The Evolution of the Big 12: Navigating Expansion and Future Prospects

The Big 12 officially announced on September 10, 2021 that Brigham Young University (BYU), the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Houston would join the conference no later than the 2024–25 athletic year, in a unanimous vote by the eight continuing member institutions. Oklahoma and Texas announced plans to leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) effective when their media-rights contract ends on June 30, 2025, prompting the Big 12 to add new members to stabilize the league. The additions increase the Big 12’s geographic footprint from five states to eight and raise the covered population from approximately 40.2 million to about 76.5 million people, according to the Big 12’s announcement. BYU is unique among the four additions because it was previously an FBS independent in football while its other sports competed in the West Coast Conference; Cincinnati, UCF and Houston were members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) at the time of the invitation. The Big 12 noted that with the four additions the conference would be comprised of 12 universities beginning July 1, 2025: Baylor, BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, and West Virginia.

The landscape of collegiate sports is perpetually in flux, with conferences expanding, contracting, and realigning in a bid to stay competitive and relevant. The Big 12 Conference, a cornerstone of college athletics since its inception in 1994, has been no stranger to this evolution. In the latest chapter of its storied history, the Big 12 made a significant move to ensure its prominence and viability in the NCAA by announcing the addition of four institutions into its fold. This strategic expansion not only solidifies the conference’s future but also reshapes the dynamics of college sports in the United States.

In September 2021, the Big 12 declared that Brigham Young University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Houston would join the conference, commencing in the 2024-25 NCAA athletic year. This bold step was in direct response to the impending departure of two of its flagship members, Oklahoma and Texas, who announced their plans to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025. The loss of these two powerhouses threatened to diminish the Big 12’s influence and standing in the collegiate sports arena, prompting swift action from the conference’s leadership.

Strategic Expansion to Counterbalance Departures

The departure of Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12 was a potential crisis moment for the conference. Historically, the Big 12 had already endured the exit of four teams between 2011 and 2012, which had led to the inclusion of Texas Christian and West Virginia to maintain its competitive edge. The announcement from Oklahoma and Texas, therefore, rang alarm bells, signaling the possibility of the Big 12 shrinking to just eight members—a scenario that could have significantly undermined its status among the NCAA’s “power conferences.”

However, the addition of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston represents a masterstroke in ensuring the Big 12 not only survives but continues to thrive. These institutions bring a mix of strong academic credentials and athletic prowess, enhancing the conference’s overall profile. Moreover, this expansion maintains the Big 12’s relevance in the evolving landscape of NCAA football and basketball, ensuring its teams remain central to the conversation around playoff spots, TV contracts, and player recruitment.

Dividing for Dominance: The New Big 12 Divisions

The Big 12’s expansion has necessitated a reorganization into two divisions for NCAA football and basketball, starting from the 2025-26 season. The East Division will feature West Virginia, Cincinnati, the University of Central Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State. West Virginia, in particular, is expected to be a dominant force in football within this grouping, with Cincinnati also emerging as a formidable contender.

Meanwhile, the West Division will comprise BYU, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Texas Tech, TCU, and Houston. This division is characterized by a strong Texas presence and is expected to be highly competitive in football, with all teams bringing a rich history and solid programs to the conference.

Although the conference has yet to officially announce how the division winners will compete for the Big 12 Championship, the anticipation of new rivalries and matchups has already begun to generate excitement among fans and athletes alike.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

The expansion of the Big 12 is not without its challenges, particularly regarding the integration of the new members a year before Oklahoma and Texas are set to depart. This transition period will be a critical time for the conference to manage relationships and ensure a smooth handover. Yet, the proactive approach taken by the Big 12 leadership in addressing the potential decline of the conference has been widely applauded. By securing four strong academic and athletic institutions, the conference has not only averted a crisis but has positioned itself for a future of continued success and influence in collegiate sports.

As the Big 12 navigates this new era, the focus will undoubtedly be on fostering competitive excellence and maintaining the conference’s prestige on the national stage. The addition of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston marks the beginning of a promising chapter in the Big 12’s history, one that will be watched closely by fans, athletes, and administrators across the NCAA.