College football insider predicts next steps for Big 12 following reported USC, UCLA move to Big Ten

Conference realignment is completely off the rails. USC and UCLA are reportedly heading to the Big Ten. A domino which sparked a flurry of other rumors regarding power conference teams changing conferences. College Football insider Brett McMurphy reports that the Big 12 is ready to get active in acquiring more power programs in order to keep up with the SEC and Big Ten. Here was McMurphy’s initial report of Big 12 activity:

“Big 12 may get aggressive & look to add Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado & Utah.” Essentially bidding for the remaining top Pac-12 programs following the departures of USC and UCLA. Assuming those moves go through, the Big Ten would have 16 teams. As will the SEC in a few years once Oklahoma and Texas join that league.

After Texas and Oklahoma announced that they were leaving the Big 12, the conference immediately went on the offensive to find replacements. They plucked four of the top non-power programs to join in wake of losing the Sooners and Longhorns. Houston, BYU, Cincinnati and UCF all inked deals to join the conference to replenish the Big 12 back to 12 teams in theory.

But, according to McMurphy’s reporting, given the activity of the SEC and Big Ten, the Big 12 wants to stay aggressive and absorb some of the crumbling Pac-12. Adding the four teams listed in his report would make it 16 total for them as well.

Big Ten, SEC not done?

The pandemonium may not stop there! According to the Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach, the Big Ten and SEC are potentially vying for 20-team leagues. They want to be dual superpowers in the college sports landscape. So, could that mean the ACC is a vulnerable target? Programs like Clemson, Miami, Florida State and North Carolina are massive brands that could be acquired by the Big Ten or SEC.

Perhaps the ACC finally makes a move to land Notre Dame in college football as well. Which would give the conference 15 teams, and one away from matching the SEC and Big Ten. Though it seems to be the case that those two conferences can outbid the other leagues for whoever they want.

The situation is definitely fluid. A landmark day in college sports with monumentally consequential moves rumored throughout the country.