the Big 12, I would surreptitiously let it be known that the first 4 corners school to apply to the conference will be admitted, even if that school is Utah. Painful to say, I know. But I'm not too worried. All indications are it would be Arizona or Colorado.

1 school defecting will get the pressure on the 4 Big 10 candidates, as a 9-school conference is much weeker than a 10-school conference. If the Big 10 doesn't work out for any or all of the Big 10 candidates, Big 12 should be in position to pick the rejects. Then get to 16 taking the best of the other leftovers.