![]() This move would also rejuvenate one of the most underrated rivalries in college football The Backyard Brawl. If Pittsburgh’s success continues and the SEC pursues the national brands Clemson, Florida State, Miami, and North Carolina or Virginia Tech, the Panthers could look for a change of scenery. Even if it was a down year for the conference, an ACC title is still a tremendous accomplishment for the Panthers. The Panthers elevated their play last season and earned an ACC championship. However, Pittsburgh does seem like an ideal fit in the Big 12 compared to the ACC. Similar to Louisville, this move would not become a reality until closer to 2030 due to financial ramifications. However, if it does make financial sense, in the next five years, the Cardinals could move to the Big 12. So, while administrations may find loopholes and negotiations could consequently take place, it will be several years before Louisville decides to switch conferences. The grant of rights also stipulates that the University will forfeit its media revenues to the ACC until the contract expires. In addition, a $120 million exit fee is required if a school decides to leave. However, this move would take several years to plan, with the ACC’s grant of rights tying universities to the conference until 2036. Luckily for Mountaineers fans, due to the proximity between the two schools and the rest of the conference, West Virginia would also have a new Big 12 rival. However, this is not the only rivalry the Cardinals would have to endure by switching conferences. Although the two schools have not met in almost a decade, the competition is historical, dating back to 1929. The Big 12 would be a natural fit for Louisville, who could revive the Keg of Nails rivalry with Cincinnati. This major shift in the landscape would leave the ACC in shambles and force other universities, such as Louisville, to look for a new conference to call home. Immediately after USC and UCLA accepted invitations to the Big Ten, many reports emerged suggesting the SEC could counter this move by adding Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, or Virginia Tech. While it may be a surprise to see Louisville and the Big 12 in the same sentence, there is a scenario where teams could leave the ACC. While it may take Memphis a few years to join the Big 12 and compete for a conference title, the program would certainly benefit from joining a power five conference as well as give the Big 12 more leverage while negotiating a new television contract. The University even won the American Athletic Conference in 2019, defeating Cincinnati. The Tigers have been on par with Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, all incoming Big 12 teams, over the past decade. ![]() If the Pac 12 does stay together, Memphis would immediately move into the top four schools on the Big 12’s wish list, especially when looking at their football program over the past few years. Of course, the commissioner is referencing the Big 12’s media rights deal, which ends in 2025. “Everything we do must create momentum for these negotiations.” “We are open for business,” Yormark said. However, with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark’s enticing comments at media day earlier this summer, Memphis might soon have the opportunity to become a conference member. However, if this hypothetical turn into a reality, the Big 12 could look to expand east, especially in this recent round of realignment when the unimaginable turns into a reality overnight.īefore the Big 12 extended invitations for their first round of expansion, there was much speculation that the University of Memphis would join Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston in leaving the American Atheltic Conference. This scenario would benefit the Big 12 and the sport’s overall health since it would keep every power five alive, albeit weakened. While this could potentially soften Colorado, Washington, and Oregon’s stance on the Big 12, the Pac 12 could remain together and extend invitations to San Deigo State University, Boise State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Hawaii. This week, Bleacher Report released an article that the Big Ten was ‘No Longer as Interested’ in adding Oregon and other Pac 12 schools. Every day there seems to be another piece of information dropping about potential conference realignment moves.
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