We reported what the other major outlets had been reporting that Cincinnati, Houston, UCF and BYU were rumored to be becoming the next members of the Big 12. Today, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reported it could be official as soon as September 10th as all four programs have the approval of the remaining eight schools.
UCF, UH, BYU & Cincy expected to apply for Big 12 membership next week & league presidents have the votes to admit them next Friday, sources tell me & @ByPatForde.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 3, 2021
Plan is to join in 2023, conceivably before OU & Texas leave, to create a 14-team league.https://t.co/okf7WGs0Tk
All four schools would be in the conference by 2023 which would allow them to play with Texas and Oklahoma unless they pay more than their $80 million buyout to leave early for the SEC. Cincinnati, UCF and Houston have a 27 month notice and $10 million exit fee, but that could be pushed up a la UConn when they left earlier to the Big East and paid $17 million.
Once this is final it would be a great move for Cincinnati and their programs. It will leave the AAC in a tough spot, but Cincinnati has to do what’s best for their program and fans.
Once TFON learns more we will report it.
