The college football world was turned on its head just a few weeks ago, with the news that Oklahoma and Texas will leave for the SEC. That news has led to a wave of speculation about the future of the Big 12, as well as the rest of the leagues that comprise the sport.
That is of significant interest to the other eight schools in the Big 12. Some of those programs, like Oklahoma State and Kansas (primarily for basketball), could be attractive additions for a league like the ACC, Big Ten, or Pac-12, but there are no very obvious fits.
Kansas State is one of the programs that could be on the outside looking in. The Wildcats have had plenty of success, but as the second program in the state, without a dominant program in any major sport, they have to hope that the Big 12 holds on to its teams and remains something close to a Power Five league.
Athletic director Gene Taylor says he’s been on the phones with his “friends in other leagues,” and none believe another move is imminent. As we saw with OU and Texas, and other realignment moves years ago, these things do happen fast and often without warning.
K-State AD Gene Taylor tells us he would be shocked if the next realignment domino fell soon:
“Nothing is going to happen this year. I’d be shocked. I do have friends in other leagues and when I talk to those ADs that I’m close with, I’m hearing they’re not doing anything.”
— John Kurtz (@jlkurtz) August 9, 2021
There have been many, many rumors about where things could head next. West Virginia is reportedly interested in the ACC, though that league’s next move is unclear, as they probably want to hold off on doing anything that could threaten the eventual possibility that Notre Dame joins as a full member.
Kansas and Iowa State have both reportedly had talks with the Big Ten. KU isn’t a huge surprise given the success of the Jayhawks basketball program and the proximity to the Kansas City market, among other factors. Iowa State would be, as the Big Ten already has Iowa holding down that state.
Oklahoma State has the best football program, and there have been rumors about the Big Ten and Pac-12. So far, it is hard to know how seriously to take any of these rumors and reports, or how much fire there is to go along with all of the smoke.
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