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Arizona Board of Regents Big 12 decision hinges on Oregon, Washington, Big Ten 

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber•08/04/23

Every time you look down at your phone there’s a new conference realignment rumor. After a number of contradicting reports to start Friday morning, college football insider Pete Thamel hopped on SportsCenter to detail the latest that he’s heard regarding more Pac-12 schools that could head to the Big 12.

During his SC spot, Thamel explained that the state of Arizona’s Board of Regents — which controls the decisions of both Arizona and Arizona State — ultimately would like to keep them together. As of now, though, AZ is itching to head to the Big 12 while ASU wants to stay out west. So Thamel says Arizona State could wind up being persuaded to join Arizona en route to the Big 12 if other schools were to leave.

Here was his breakdown of that dynamic:

“Arizona and Arizona State, the Board of Regents would prefer them to stay together, as most boards would two flagship schools who have long been rivals and played in the same conference. If Oregon and Washington do end up in the Big Ten by the end of the day — which is a distinct possibility — it’s going to then be easier for ASU to follow Arizona, because they don’t have anywhere to go. Oregon and Washington represent the lynchpin of the Pac-12.”

The Ducks and Huskies could be the dominos to tip the rest if they flee, since Arizona State would then likely join Arizona in heading to the Big 12. Thamel says to expect such a move from the AZ schools and potentially Utah if Washington and Oregon do leave.

“Arizona’s already done the paperwork and have gone. Utah would be expected to follow but there’s still hurdles there, and then Arizona State would have to reluctantly follow up,” reports Thamel. However there are still hurdles to clear and nothing is in dried ink yet.

“So the thought is those three corner schools in the upcoming days could line up. But again, there are all big complicated decisions. There’s boards, there’s governors, there’s no certainties in realignment until signatures are made and press releases are sent out.”

If you’re looking for certainty, this update doesn’t provide that. But if Washington and Oregon go Big Ten, then Arizona probably finalizes their deal to move to the Big 12, which would likely cause ASU and Utah to follow.