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History could be repeating itself in Boulder based on recent reports from sports media. The Colorado Buffaloes are rumored to be mulling a return to the Big XII.
The interest in moving conferences is nothing new, but activity this week suggests it could soon become reality. The school’s board met on Wednesday to discuss its options, and a follow-up meeting has already been scheduled for Thursday.
Pete Thamel of ESPN posted Wednesday on Twitter about the pair of meetings, and their potential impact on the future of Colorado athletics.
There’s no agenda posted yet. But the meeting tomorrow at Colorado is called a “Special Board Meeting” and was scheduled essentially as today’s “athletics operations” executive session board meeting ended. https://t.co/JsGocKMKGP
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 26, 2023
Colorado’s interest in a return to the Big XII has been well documented. The Buffaloes’ name has been a constant in realignment talks this offseason, though only one potential landing spot has been noted.
That would be the university’s prior league, which it left back in 2011. One of the founding members in 1996, they left alongside Nebraska, who departed for the Big Ten.
Missouri and Texas A&M would leave the next year for the SEC.
Now, there could be some buyer’s remorse on Colorado’s end. The PAC 12 finds itself in uncertainty regarding its television contract and the stability of the league as a whole.
USC and UCLA announced their intentions to join the Big Ten last offseason resulting in the loss of two of the conference’s biggest brands. It also ended their stranglehold on the Los Angeles market.
Without the Bruins and Trojans, the PAC 12 has found it difficult to land a major TV partner. ESPN has focused on the ACC, Big XII, and SEC. The Big Ten announced a record-breaking agreement with NBC, CBS, and FOX.
That’s left the PAC 12 on the outside looking in as they potentially head for a streaming deal as opposed to a major network.
Making matters worse, it appears that conferences are attempting to pluck those left in the league.
Colorado hasn’t been the only team mentioned in connection with the Big XII as it’s reportedly targeted other members of the “four corners” to include Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah.
Oregon and Washington have been rumored to have interest in joining USC and UCLA in the Big Ten, leading many to believe the conference could dissolve completely.
This latest news doesn’t bode well for the PAC 12, and it’s sparked a reaction from college football fans online.
“Time is a flat circle,” one tweet read in response to a potential Colorado return.
“Like George Constanza walking back into his job after quitting and pretending nothing happened,” another person said.
Most believe the PAC 12 will be done if this does ultimately happen.
Pac 12: pic.twitter.com/uoBzPuW855
— Landan Sorensen (@chele5792) July 26, 2023
Still, many see it as a move that’s best for both Colorado and the Big XII.
This feels right. Colorado belongs in the Big 12 more than the Pac 12.
Matter of fact, go get Nebraska too. I know it would be financial suicide but Nebraska needs to anchor the Big 12. https://t.co/oR4yQYoH3j
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) July 26, 2023
Some believe it’s already a done deal.
These tweets don’t get out unless it’s done deal. CU is gone https://t.co/uFcCDjhanv
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) July 26, 2023
We’ll soon see if this move comes to fruition. A return to the Big XII is seeming more and more likely for Colorado.
** Update — Colorado leaving for the Big XII in 2024 **
Brett McMurphy reports that the Buffaloes will join the Big XII in 2024, confirming reports that they will leave the PAC 12.
Colorado leaving Pac-12 to return to Big 12 in 2024, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. CU will receive full Big 12 share ($31.7M) from ESPN/Fox media deal. Buffs left because of Big 12 stability & Pac-12’s uncertainty, sources said. Announcement Thursdayhttps://t.co/IOo8LWAuTF pic.twitter.com/4Ilq91C0EO
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 26, 2023
Realignment continues across major college sports.