Brady Quinn makes case for further Big 12 expansion amid conference realignment

Brady Quinn, a former Notre Dame quarterback, and current college football analyst, appeared on CBS Sports HQ to talk about Big 12 media days. There, he advocated for the Big 12 to expand further amid conference realignment.

“I think they do,” Brady Quinn replied when asked if the conference needs to expand. “And I don’t necessarily know that the strategy is strength in numbers. But one of the things that you heard commissioner Brett Yormark say multiple times today was, ‘A national brand.’ He continued to keep saying that. And I think what he means by that is expanding their geographic footprint, by potentially bringing in some teams that look like they’re in need of safe harbor.”

Quinn would go on to suggest that bringing in Oregon or Washington would make sense. That’s because they’re big brands that likely want to be in a better position moving forward. However, those aren’t the only two schools that make sense for the Big 12, according to Quinn.

This is also a conference, as Brady Quinn points out, that is going to have to play at 14 schools for a few seasons, during Texas and Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC. Because of that, they’re expected to have a division structure. Replacing those two schools with national brands would help to expand the brand of the Big 12 itself.

Brady Quinn’s comments come after new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark spoke at Big 12 media days. There, he declared that the Big 12 is open for business, though he didn’t give specifics for what that meant. He also spoke about creating a national brand and reaching a younger demographic. All of which has led to speculation about what could be next for the conference.

Time will tell if and who the Big 12 adds in further conference realignment.