before joining the Big 12, WVU tried to get into the ACC. The ACC weren't interested. In September 2011, the ACC formally invited Pitt and Syracuse. A month later, the Big 12 invited the bridesmaid to join them.
The reason(s) that kept WVU out in 2011 are probably still in place. The Big 12 is the refuge of those not wanted elsewhere. WVU is one of those refugees.