College Football: 5 teams that could compete in a Power Five conference

Current conference: American
Possible destination: Big 12

Tom Herman made the leap from Houston to Texas, so why can’t the Cougars make the jump from the American to the Big 12?

Houston won the American in 2015 and in the last three seasons, have yet to finish outside of the top three in the conference. Additionally, the Cougars have had winning seasons every year since 2013.

In 2018, Houston is armed with one of the best, if not the best defensive lineman in Ed Oliver, who is in a prime position to rack up the accolades and crush the stat sheet. He also provides the best hope for a defensive player to make a push for the Heisman trophy this season.

Houston split a pair of matchups against Power Five teams last season. The Cougars defeated Arizona in a tight 19-16 game on the road but lost to in-state foe Texas Tech in another close finish, 27-24.

This season, Houston has the opportunity to face both teams once again, and this might produce an even better showing of what the Cougars are made of, let alone prove why it can be a part of a top conference.

The Big 12 bumped down to a 10-team conference once Missouri and Texas A&M left, but Houston could be a part of a new 12-team resurgence. As it currently stands, there are four teams in the Big 12 with campuses in Texas, and Houston is also in Texas. Therefore, a move to the Big 12 makes a lot of sense in terms of location.

Houston can make a statement this season and perhaps stake a reason as to why they can move up the ranks to the Big 12.