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Big 12 Expansion: Ranking the possible schools to be added

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Jul 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats running back Hosey Williams (4) celebrates with quarterback Gunner Kiel (R) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats won 49-38. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats running back Hosey Williams (4) celebrates with quarterback Gunner Kiel (R) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats won 49-38. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

1. University of Cincinnati 

The Pros: 

Cincinnati is the team that we hear the most about when it comes to expansion in the Big 12. The Bearcats have been a consistent program for about a decade now in the former Big East, now AAC.

Since 2011 the Bearcats have won a combined 45 games. In addition to their football success, Cincinnati provides the Big 12 an outlet into Big 10 country not only for television but also for recruiting. Cincinnati would instantly be able to more aptly recruit high profile athletes that would normally just about automatically, go to Ohio State.

Like many teams in these rankings, Cincy also offers a quality men’s basketball program. It would also be fun to see Cincy and West Virginia play each other again, as those teams had some very competitive games before the Mountaineers left for the Big 12.

The Cons: 

There really are not any cons to Cincinnati, they are a relative and proven program. The only cons would be how dominate Cincy could become as compared to Ohio State, or if Cincinnati could become a big time rival to the Buckeyes.

Next: 20 Best NFL Players from Big 12 Schools

The return of Tommy Tuberville would be a sight to see in a game against Texas Tech. Cincy is the clear leader for an invitation to the Big 12 simply because they offer a lot to the conference and do not have near as many hang ups that may cause other programs to not receive an invite.

For more on the Big 12 and conference expansion, stay tuned to our Big 12 Hub Page.

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