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10 teams the Big 12 should consider pursuing as it navigates conference realignment

By Ethan Lee

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 03: DeJon Jarreau #3 of the Houston Cougars dribbles against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears in the first half during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 03: DeJon Jarreau #3 of the Houston Cougars dribbles against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears in the first half during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Tyler Allgeier #25 of the Brigham Young Cougars runs with the ball against the Central Florida Knights at FAU Stadium on December 22, 2020 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 22: Tyler Allgeier #25 of the Brigham Young Cougars runs with the ball against the Central Florida Knights at FAU Stadium on December 22, 2020 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

The BYU Cougars have a huge following and an impressive brand. The Big 12 needs that right now.

Few college football brands are as easily recognizable as BYU’s happens to be. The BYU Cougars, thanks in part to their ties with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have a huge fanbase and connection with a ton of interested stakeholders.

BYU is identifiable and, along with a massive fan following, has a sizable student enrollment as well. Between the religious connection and the location, the Cougars have a built in fanbase that will only continue to grow moving forward.

Why this could work for the Big 12

Like with other schools on this list, BYU helps the Big 12 get its product in front of eyes that may not necessarily be keeping up with current Big 12 schools and matchups. The conference currently doesn’t have any members out that far west and getting BYU would help change that for the Big 12.

Plus, there’s the whole connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that BYU has. That wouldn’t just be a nationwide brand for the Big 12. If this move could actually be made, that would be an international brand for the Big 12.

Why this wouldn’t make sense for BYU

BYU would be a great fit in the Big 12 and a lot of good would come with joining the conference as it works to rebuild, but the school would have to do some examining and self-reflection in its decision making process.

Does BYU really want to give up its current status as an independent program? There aren’t many other independents still out there. The most notable of the bunch happens to be Notre Dame, another prominent university with ties to a religious organization.

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