Texas, Oklahoma Reportedly Asked To Join SEC In Possible Monumental College Sports Reshuffle
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Top line
Representatives from the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma have contacted the Southeastern Conference to join the high power collegiate league, according to the Houston Chronicle, setting up what could be a historic change in money and power in college sports.
Texas Longhorns # 11 Sam Ehlinger smiles as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown against … [+]
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Highlights
The newspaper said an official announcement could come in the next two weeks, citing a “senior academic official with knowledge of the situation”.
The most recent edition of ForbesThe list of “Most Valuable Teams in College Football” ranked Texas second with an average annual income of $ 147 million and Oklahoma sixth with an average annual income of $ 129 million.
The SEC is already widely regarded as the most powerful league in college sports, and the addition of Texas and Oklahoma would increase its roster to 16 teams, making it the largest Division I conference in the NCAA.
Texas and Oklahoma did not respond to requests for comment from Forbes, but a Texas spokesperson said in a declaration to several media which: “Speculation still swirls around college athletics.”
Large number
9. If Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC, how many of the 12 most valuable college football programs, which generate the vast majority of college sports revenue, would be SEC members. And of the top four programs, three would be members of the SEC. Texas and Oklahoma are currently members of the Big 12.
Chief critic
Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork is not a fan of the transfer from Texas to the SEC, which the program joined in 2012. “We want to be the only SEC team in the state of Texas,” said Bjork in response to Wednesday’s news.
Key context
College sports have undergone several realignments as powerful conferences developed. The most recent major reshuffle came in the early 2010s, when the SEC notably added two Big 12 programs — Texas A&M and Missouri, while conferences like the ACC and the Big Ten also gained traction. expansion. There were rumors at the time that Texas and Oklahoma could switch to the SEC, but their decision to stay in the Big 12 is widely credited with keeping the Big 12 seen as a top conference.
What to watch out for
Leaders at the College Football Playoff are considering a plan to increase the size of the field from four teams to 12, in large part amid complaints that not enough teams were getting a chance to win the championship.
Tangent
The annual Texas-Oklahoma soccer game is considered one of the most competitive and classic rivalries in college football. The “Red River Showdown” was first played in 1900 and has been contested annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas since 1932, the match scheduled to line up with the State Fair of Texas.
Further reading
Exclusive: Texas, Oklahoma Contact SEC to Join Conference (Houston Chronicle)
College football’s most valuable teams: Defending champion Clemson Tigers ranks top 25 (Forbes)
Panel to recommend expanding college football playoffs to 12 teams (Forbes)
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