Big 12 releases statement on future of conference

The eight remaining member schools in the Big 12 held meetings the past two days and unity amongst the remaining members of the conference seemed to be the goal, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic.

Statement from the Big 12

The Big 12 released the following statement Wednesday evening:

“Following two days of consultation with the athletics directors of the continuing members of the Big 12 Conference,” commissioner Bob Bowlsby stated, “The eight ADs remain committed to furthering the Big 12 as one of the nation’s premiere athletic conferences, and look forward to working with our presidents and chancellors to strengthen the league. Future exploration by the group will continue to center on options that best position the long-term strength of the conference.”

Something to note is that these meetings the past few days did not include Oklahoma or Texas, as both schools are moving onto the SEC in 2025.

Oklahoma and Texas leaving

It’s been a long month for Bowlsby and the Big 12.

“It’s been a long month,” Bowlby noted. “There’s not any way to put a good face on it. We were shocked at the announcements. We were given no indication of displeasures on [Texas and Oklahoma’s] part. I share those feelings, and everybody associated with us shares those feelings.”

Speaking of Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC, nearly everyone has an opinion on it and, former Florida Gator and South Carolina head coach, Steve Spurrier, had to lend his voice.

Steve Spurrier’s thoughts on former Big 12 member Oklahoma joining the SEC

“Now Oklahoma, I think they’ve won what is it five or six years in a row in the Big 12? Something like that,” he began. “So I started wondering, well wait a minute. Why would they ever give up a championship every year to jump over into the SEC? After talking with some Oklahoma people, they’re looking forward to the challenge, Paul. They really do. It’s well known Oklahoma is a rich football tradition University.

“Their fans, they want LSU and Alabama and Auburn. They want those guys to come to their ballpark and they are ready to go to their ballpark. I know they’ve (Oklahoma), they beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and they beat our Gators this year. I know we didn’t have a few guys playing but you can’t blame Oklahoma for that.

“They get up when they play SEC teams and they’re looking forward to it. So, I think winning Big 12 championships at Oklahoma, maybe has gotten a little bit old. (Laughs). It’s hard to imagine. But they’re looking for a new challenge, and I think it’s really going to be interesting. I think they’re gonna compete. I think they’re gonna compete for championships in the SEC.”

Steve Spurrier’s thoughts on former Big 12 member Texas joining the SEC

“The first thing I thought was well … Texas, they struggled to win the Big 12,” he said. “I guess they’ve only won it twice in. I don’t know how many years. So, it made sense for them. If you’re going to struggle in the Big 12, might as well struggle in the SEC. Can’t do any worse.”

Big 12 conference play for the 2021 season kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 18 when Baylor travels to Kansas.