After all the happy talk about just being ten tight schools that don't need any others, the Big XII Conference (that one with only ten members) decided yesterday they really do want to expand. Maybe by two and maybe by four.
Top contenders (in no particular order):
BYU Cougars
PRO: Large, loyal, national fan base with strong football and basketball programs
CON: Refuses to play on Sundays. Many older players due to Mormon missionaries.
Houston Cougars
PRO: Texas school in major metropolitan area that is heavily recruited. Major upgrades in football program.
CON: Adds nothing to television footprint. Schools like Baylor and Texas may not want to recruit as equals with them.
Cincinnati Bearcats
PRO: Competitive in football and basketball. Would geographically fit with West Virginia as an instant rivalry.
CON: Lightly regarded commuter school without much national buzz.
Memphis Tigers
PRO: Federal Express is offering to bankroll conference championships and sponsorship deals if the Tigers join.
CON: See Cincinnati
Connecticut Huskies
PRO: Northeast US Market penetration. Storied basketball program
CON: Long distance for most teams to travel.
Colorado State Rams
PRO: Would reclaim market share lost when Colorado departed for the PAC-12.
CON: Programs lack national buzz
Univ. of Central Florida
PRO: Competitive program in recruiting hotbed. Expands market share.
CON: No nearby member schools.
Tulane University
PRO: Extremely high academic standards. Good excuse for partying and great food.
CON: Extremely poor sports programs. Last time they won anything was when Bush was president - the first Bush.
There's a buzz abut Colorado and Nebraska wanting to come back to the Big XII but I don't believe it any more than I believe the Beatles are getting back together.