Strategic decision now for Big12 leftovers. They really cannot sit back and blow this decision now.

What CFB programs that are nonP5 have the strongest brands right now?

Cincinnati is one of the strongest, with BYU comparable (Finebaum and others —ESPN- concur on BYU brand).

Houston? Potentially huge base and just made the Final 4. UNLV? Vega$$$ baby! Even the A’s and MLB want in. UCF? BSU? Memphis?

To me, West Virginia and all the other schools leftover are nothing burgers as brands On Stand Alone Basis w/o fellow conference heavyweights. ISU and Kansas are AAU rated, but suck otherwise.

It’s a new paradigm to think about and Texas and Ok are just being smart and proactive.

If the Alabama Qb can get a 7 figure NIL before ever playing a down, then Tx and Ok have to in the best of the best conference also so their players’ opportunities don’t lag behind their peers.

This and the expanded playoff are also huge parts of the new paradigm.

This also why the SEC welcomes 2 more blue bloods with open arms.