Big 12 Conference Expansion: Ranking the best potential additions
By John Scimeca
4. Boise State
The Big 12 on the blue turf is a decent proposal, considering the on-field success that the Broncos have had. Boise, Idaho is a bit far away from any potential nearby conference foes, but it’s a program that’s had success to a level that’s simply unattainable for most Group of Five schools.
Boise State has had 10+ wins in 16 of the past 20 seasons, and they’ve produced 24 NFL Draft picks in the last decade alone. A rare Group of Five squad that’s a mainstay in the national Top 25 rankings, Boise State would be rare addition that could probably immediately contend for a Big 12 Conference title while continuing to get quality talent from the state of California.
3. Houston
Houston’s case for the Big 12 is a well-known one, as they have been candidates — quite close or imagined — for conference membership each time that the carousel spins. Even in 1996, the Cougars were said to be the program next in line for the newly formed 12-team league before the Texas governor stepped in and strong-armed Baylor.
Well, times have changed now, and the conference would almost count itself lucky if Houston would accept an invitation instead of staying put in the American. The Cougars offer a number of benefits — namely, a foothold in southeast Texas and a large media market — while being capable of reeling off 13-1 seasons (like in 2011 and 2015) against Go5 competition. The facilities are nice, too, as this author can attest to the spacious feel of the press box.
Houston is a logical program to add to the league’s existing Texas-based schools.