(01-12-2019 12:48 PM)THUNDERStruck73 Wrote: ...
I could see the ACC possibly taking a flyer on WVU, but they’d be on a tight leash I’m sure. That would potentially open up three spots in the Big XII (probably for Memphis, Houston, and UCF as there would be no need to link WV and the western schools).
Memphis didn't make the cut when the Big XII had their public rose ceremony. It was the academic side that killed them, they could not win the search committee Presidents and Chancellors. This even though FedEx and Memphis tried to but their way in. Not happening. So what changed or will change to make Memphis academically acceptable to Presidents and Chancellors in 2025 that wasn't in 2016?
The Presidents/Chancellors like Tulane and Rice, but Rice is a non starter for the networks and the ADs, and Tulane isn't much either on that front. UConn is not a football school, and location probably rules them out. Air Force pulled themselves out, so I doubt they'd be revisited. Temple and USF haven't shown the investment or results necessary. So I think you can scratch them (USF is in trim mode due to the loss of Big East exit money windfall). So what left of the eleven?
UCF, Houston, Cincy, Colorado State, BYU
That is you likely group for 2-3 replacements. BYU has the infrastructure in place, but is both farther away (another West Virginia, but the other direction) and the honor code issues are still there and an anathema for the Presidents and Chancellors -- don't know how desperate they would be after losing Oklahoma and Texas (or Kansas), but you'd think they'd serious consider at least Football membership. Colorado State has the Denver market the B12 desperately wants to get back into, and the best faculty/research rating outside of the Rice Tulane duo, with facilities upgrades, a new stadium and general positive direction. Cincinnati also has pretty strong research and faculty, but suffers like UCF in too much of a 2nd tier commuter student population. Houston is probably a fair bet if Texas leaves, a bad bet if Texas stays (don't need them with Texas). UCF is weaker than both Cincy and Houston academically, but have a huge Florida recruiting advantage.
Given that I'd rate all four public schools (UC, UH, UCF, CSU) very similar value for the Big 12 with BYU a wild card.It may come down to who is hot in 2022 and 2023 or who has the most charismatic University President at the time. Anyway those five are whom I think the 2 or 3 replacements will come from.