wait, what about Boise State?
You use the ESPN contract as proof of relevance, but Boise severely weakens that claim.
You question what programs could go independent. Any school can go independent, but which can be successful as an independent? In 2014 the answer is none. Even ND needed to become a quasi member of the ACC, and ND is in a better position than any independent. Independence isn't working for BYU, or any other school.