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Two notable schools have reportedly been left out of Big XII realignment. After adding four members from the PAC-12, the league has closed talks with a pair of basketball powers.
UCONN and Gonzaga have long been linked to the Big XII, who was looking to expand its reach this offseason. The conference was successful in doing so, but it appears content with its most recent additions.
The league added Colorado this summer, signaling a return to the Big XII for the Buffaloes. CU had previously been a member before bolting for the PAC-12 in 2011.
That move started a domino effect in the Conference of Champions as Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, and Utah would follow suit in leaving the league. The Wildcats, Sun Devils, and Utes will join Colorado in the Big XII while the Huskies and Ducks will make their realignment moves to the Big Ten.
By adding those four programs from the West Coast, the Big XII will expand to 16 teams come 2024. It seems that it will stay there for the time being.
Though they have been linked to both UCONN and Gonzaga over the last few months, they’ve reportedly ended talks following what the league calls a “dream scenario” working out.
Regarding Gonzaga & UConn, Big 12 commish Brett Yormark tells @AndrewMarchand & @Ourand_SBJ podcast “those conversations are no longer. Unfortunately things didn’t work out only because the dream scenario (of adding Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State & Utah) unfolded for us”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 16, 2023
Both programs would’ve boosted an already booming basketball resume within the Big XII. The Zags are a perennial national title contender while the Huskies cut down the nets this past season.
It looks like the shuffling to the Big XII is all but over, though realignment headlines still surround the ACC and remaining PAC members. As we close in on the start of football season, the conference hopping will soon be put on the back burner.