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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; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams defensive back Justin Sweet (29), and fullback Nu’uvali Fa’apito (45), and offensive lineman Sam Carlson (71) celebrate after defeating the UNLV Rebels 49-35 at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams defensive back Justin Sweet (29), and fullback Nu’uvali Fa’apito (45), and offensive lineman Sam Carlson (71) celebrate after defeating the UNLV Rebels 49-35 at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Colorado State University 

The Pros: 

I might be the only person in the country pitching Colorado State as a top program to gain entry into the Big 12, but here is why they deserve to move up to Big 12. Colorado State has become a consistent winner in the last 3 seasons under former Head Coach Jim McElwain and current Head Coach Mike Bobo.

The Rams have a built in game against a Pac-12 team in Colorado, which would be a good matchup between two Power 5 teams and conferences. The biggest plus for Colorado State is the area they are located. Colorado is a former Big 12 school with many ties to the conference.

Colorado and the Denver area are two of the most rapidly expanding areas in the United States. The Denver TV market is there for the taking for the Big 12 and CSU, who also has a brand new 41,000 seat on-campus stadium that is opening in Fall 2017. Colorado State also has great men’s and women’s basketball teams and a top tier volleyball program.

The Cons: 

With all of the good and the increased commitment to athletics by the university in recent years, CSU does not offer the storied program in the same way that a BYU or Boise State or even Houston could offer the Big 12.

Most of what CSU brings to the table is recent success and a projection of where the programs see themselves going in the future. CSU is also a smaller fan base, much like TCU, the Big 12 would have to decide if they would want to go in that direction or in the direction of a school that offers more.

However, no matter what others say, do not sleep on the fact that Colorado State could join the Big 12. It seems to be more likely than not.

Next: No. 1 Cincinnati

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