It is very clear that the University of Utah has no desire to join the Big 12. It would be wrong to compel them to do so against their will.
It is also clear that Utah State University has done nothing wrong to be unceremoniously left behind their sister state school, the University of Utah.
I think a good compromise should be 1) let's give the University of Utah what they clearly want and NOT compel them to join a conference they don't want to be in and 2) let's bring back Utah and Utah State in the same conference and unify the deep wounds in the state of Utah.
I am sure that Mountain West leadership could be persuaded to bring back Utah into the fold where — let's admit — they really belong.
Please write your state legislators and make this happen.