The Big 12 is undergoing rapid expansion, with unanimous approval from school presidents and chancellors on Friday night to officially welcome Utah and Arizona State. This decision, following Thursday's approval of Arizona, elevates the conference's membership to 16 teams, effective from the 2024-25 academic year.
Commissioner Brett Yormark expressed excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to the Big 12. The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes, and administrators."
Both Utah and Arizona State had applied for membership before the vote, a crucial initial step in the league-switching process. The announcement came amid a tumultuous day that witnessed Oregon and Washington departing the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
The significant reshaping of the college sports landscape began when Yormark, in June 2022, strategically initiated early negotiations with Fox and ESPN, bypassing the Pac-12 and altering the expected chronological order for a television contract extension. This maneuver proved pivotal, leading to the transformation of the entire college sports landscape.
The Pac-12's subsequent challenges in securing a competitive television deal ultimately contributed to its current state. The newly expanded 16-team Big 12 now matches the size of the SEC and is two teams smaller than the 18-team Big Ten, while the ACC consists of 14 full-time football members.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.
Jase Medical
Empower yourself when you purchase a Jase Case, providing you with a personal supply of 5 antibiotics that treat 50+ infections. Get yours today at jasemedical.com and use code LOCKEDON to get $20 off your order. 
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices