What Colorado’s Move to the Big 12 Means

Implications of Colorado’s Transition to the Big 12

Boulder, CO – The next domino in conference realignment appears to have fallen, as the Colorado Big 12 move has been finalized. Colorado will return to the Big 12 after a 13-year absence competing in the Pac-12. The Buffaloes are set to rejoin the league next season, and unlike most of the other realignment moves, this is a good geographic fit. Not only will the Buffaloes return to facing Kansas and Kansas State, but BYU is now in the league, giving Colorado another regional rival.

But what does it mean for the big picture in college football? Here’s a look at how the Colorado Big 12 move changes the collegiate football and conference landscape.

The Big 12 Isn’t Done Expanding

Maybe the Big 12 should just change its name to the Big 14, as it seems determined to remain a 14-school league even after Oklahoma and Texas leave for the SEC. One thing seems certain: the Big 12 will not stand pat at 13. That number doesn’t work for scheduling, as it would require one team off every week without an obvious partner such as the ACC with Notre Dame.

But who comes along? Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has made no secret of his desire to add Connecticut, even though the Huskies add virtually nothing to the table in football. But if another Pac-12 school decides it wants in, it’d be hard for him to sell the Huskies over a closer trip to Utah or Arizona.

Which Pac-12 Schools Are Both Interested and Desirable?

The second question is part of the equation, because the Big 12 won’t take just anyone. Oregon State or Washington State would walk to Dallas for an invite right now, but the Big 12 wouldn’t have any interest. Oregon and Washington are much more desirable, but both seem to be waiting for a Big Ten invitation.

That leaves Utah, Arizona State or Arizona as the likely targets. Of those, Arizona and Utah offer the most complete profiles, depending on what the league values more. Arizona brings elite basketball and entry into the Phoenix and Tucson markets, while Utah offers elite football. The Wildcats don’t have the football pedigree, while the Utes add little in the Salt Lake City market and haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 2016.

What Does the Pac-12 Do?

The Pac-12 has to either make a move or cease to exist. It can’t function for long as a nine-school entity in this day and age, especially with its members itching to leave. They could add San Diego State and SMU, both of whom badly want to join. There’s also the possibility of other members, such as Boise State, UNLV and Colorado State.

None would make the Pac-12 a top conference, but they would add some value and stability. The only option that can’t happen is doing nothing, because if that happens, the path to a full merger with the Mountain West is inevitable.