Reports: Big 12 Considering Several Schools For Expansion

The Big 12 is moving forward with expansion with commissioner Bob Bowlsby preparing to hold interviews with up to 17 prospective schools, according to multiple reports.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy lists Cincinnati, Houston, BYU, South Florida, UCF, UConn, Memphis, Colorado State, Boise State, Tulane, Temple, East Carolina, SMU, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, San Diego State and Arkansas State among the suitors but notes that the Big 12 expanding to 14 teams is becoming less and less likely.

So, look for two newcomers or no change to the current conference landscape. A decision is expected by the next board of director’s meeting in October.

For fun, here’s a look at the schools by 2016 Football Power Index (FPI) with current Big 12 schools included for reference.

• 3 – Oklahoma
• 8 – Oklahoma State
• 22 – Baylor
• 23 – Texas
• 26 – West Virginia
• 29 – TCU
• 36 – Boise State
• 42 – Texas Tech
• 44 – BYU
• 45 – USF
• 47 – Houston
• 57 – Kansas State
• 58 – San Diego State
• 63 – Cincinnati
• 65 – Temple
• 73 – Northern Illinois
• 79 – Iowa State
• 80 – Memphis
• 83 – UConn
• 85 – Arkansas State
• 92 – SMU
• 93 – New Mexico
• 96 – Colorado State
• 98 – Kansas
• 99 – ECU
• 100 – UCF
• 119 – Tulane