Big 12 Football: Could expansion save it from becoming next Big East?

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ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 29: Adrian Killins Jr. #9 of the UCF Knights gets tackled by the the Florida A&M Rattlers defense during a NCAA football game on August 29 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Adding schools to the east of the Mississippi

To truly expand for the long term benefit of the conference, expanding east would make sense for the Big 12 for many reasons.

. . Knights . . team. 886.

In a state not already in the Big 12: Yes
Group of Five top 15 revenue school: No. 1
Has five eight-plus win seasons since 2010: 7
Top 50 TV/streaming market: No. 17
Something special/unique that they bring to the Big 12: Yes, the Knights expand the Big 12 to the East Coast and into a highly populated and football-loving state.
Criteria score card: 5/5

Like BYU and similar to San Diego State, adding the Knights to the Big 12 seems like it’s a match made in paradise.

Central Florida generates the most revenue out of any of the Group Five schools, its football program has done very well over the past decade, and the Big 12 expanding into Florida would be great short and long term for the conference.

UCF having to travel to participate in athletic events may not be ideal but neither the ACC nor SEC have offered them a spot so accepting a bid seems like a win for UCF as well.

. Bearcats . . team. 830. .

In a state not already in the Big 12: Yes
Group of Five top 15 revenue school: No. 10
Has five eight-plus win seasons since 2010: 7
Top 50 TV/streaming market: No. 36
Something special/unique that they bring to the Big 12: Yes, the Bearcats expand the Big 12 to the state of Ohio and into a region in which the Big Ten has dominated and controlled among the Power Five conferences.
Criteria score card: 5/5

The Cincinnati football program is very stable and has done well over the past decade. The Big 12 expanding into the state of Ohio where the Buckeyes have not had any other Power Five schools compete with them would have a huge impact for the conference.

The Bearcats meet all of the criteria and them becoming a member of the Big 12 seems to be an ideal fit. Cincinnati would benefit greatly by joining a Power Five conference and if the Big 12 goes to divisions then adding the Bearcats will help balance the potential East division.

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