During Big 12 media days, commissioner Bob Bowlsby announced that the conference will open up to schools who are interested in joining the Big 12. Many schools are very interested to earn a spot in a Power 5 conference and receive much better benefits.
The board of directors said that there will be the option to either expand by two schools or four schools.
Ever since Big 12 members TCU and Baylor were both left out of the College Football Playoff in the 2014-15 season, the Big 12 has been exploring opportunities to help get members into that four team playoff.
There are many candidates who are hopeful to land a spot in the conference
Bob Bowlsby said "We've been contacted by a number of institutions, and i would imagine after this news breaks we'll be contacted again."
Of the potential members, BYU and Houston have created the most buzz.
BYU would be a great fit. They have a large fanbase, a strong football program, and are great academically. All three of those qualities are what the confernce is looking for.
Houston has recently blossomed into a competitive football team. They have had a strong past few years and also managed to knock off Florida State in the Peach Bowl. They arent the strongest academic candidate, but if the conference is looking for another Texas school, Houston is the top choice.
Dream Candidates
The Big 12 would absolutely love to get back some of their former members. Including Nebraska and Missouri. It is very unlikely for either of the two schools to return. They are both already in Power 5 conferences and are receiving great payouts.
What would this mean for the Big 12?
The confernce has already voted to bring back a championship game and now they are looking to expand. The conference would most likely split into divisions. This would end the Big 12's round robin schedule they play every year.
Even though it isnt ideal for some of the members to end the round robin schedule, the expansion gives members the best shot at the playoffs. The Big 12 will look a lot different in the next few years. They will have a championship game and possibly a twelve or fourteen member conference.