Big 12 Football: Top 5 expansion candidates for the conference

If the Big 12 failed to land UCF, it could easily turn toward its rival in Tampa to fill that void. Even if the Knights were to realign with the Big 12, it would make sense to bring South Florida into the fold as well. Such a realignment would keep the War on I-4 alive and really shore up the conference’s position in the state.

South Florida went 10-2 in its first season under Charlie Strong. Though they lost to Houston and UCF, the Bulls still managed to get to double digits in victories. It was a hot-and-cold season from senior quarterback Quinton Flowers, who saw his completion rate drop by over nine percent even as he threw for more yards and touchdowns with fewer interceptions.

But South Florida has been a sometimes contender for more than a decade now. They were part of the first wave of teams to leave Conference USA for the Big East back in the mid-2000s after the departure of teams like Miami and Virginia Tech. They rose as high as No. 2 in the country at one point during a wild 2007 season.

USF has remained relevant in the national scene despite coaching changes and conference shifts. They have demonstrated a resilience that would fit quite well among the members of the Big 12.