Conference Realignment: Colorado Leaving Pac-12 For The Big 12

In an unsurprising move, the Colorado Buffalos are returning to the Big 12 as soon as next season. Due to the uncertain future of the Pac-12, the Big 12 was likely the only logical move.

Ironically, the Big 12 lost Colorado in 2010 because of the same reason. In 2010, there was speculation that the Pac-10 was on the verge of adding Texas and Oklahoma. In the end, the Pac-10 got neither of the Big 12 powerhouses, and ultimately settled with Utah as the last addition.

This is why the Pac-10 became the Pac-12. Needless to say, no one could have predicted what happen in 2021 when Texas and Oklahoma announced they were leaving the Big 12 for the SEC.

Once again, the SEC had taken two members from the Big 12. In 2012, Texas A&M and Missouri announced they were leaving for the SEC as well.

The Texas and Oklahoma news sent shockwaves throughout college football and the conferences as well. The Big 12 looked as weak as ever.

Big 12 Stabilizes

However, since the news of Texas and Oklahoma’s announcement, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormack has made strides to stabilize the conference. In 2022, the Big 12 renewed its media deal with ESPN and Fox. The deal is worth $2.28 billion over six years with an annual average of $330 million a year.

Furthermore, the Big 12 went out seeking new members from the pool of Group of 5 Conferences. They ultimately came away with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF.

These school represent four of the best programs in the country. UCF has arguably the best record on paper over the last 10 years. Cincinnati is only a year removed from reaching the college football playoffs. Houston and BYU are prominent programs in strong recruiting markets.

Pac-12 In Critical Condition

Unlike the Big 12 and the other Power 5, the Pac-12 have yet to sign a long-term media rights deal. Due to the departures of UCLA and USC for the Big Ten, the Los Angeles market has been cut.

USC and UCLA have always been the two programs that were most coveted in the conference. Even with the rise of Oregon and the return of the Washington Huskies, it is hard to see the conference staying afloat.

Colorado took the aggressive approach and found a home before the conference imploded. Colorado will receive full Big 12 media deal shares of $31.7 million.