As soon as we accept this, we can move and have meaningful discussions.
The AAC is a possibility, but it will always be there for us as an option. Only self-loathing cynics would think that BYU wouldn’t be their Top Choice. They are basically just waiting to for us to say, “we’re in”.
I do not believe that the Big XII dream is dead, but I am not dumb enough to think that it is on anything but life-support in a 5-6 year coma. There have been rumblings out there that the Big XII is trying to lure Colorado back. That may be our only hope in the current situation.
Other than that, the CFB world will completely change by 2023-2024. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the B1G become our best friend (by raiding other conferences that will leave voids conferences must fill).