This past weekend kick-started a flurry of Utah-Big 12 rumors, and at the time of year when college football is looking for a topic or two to get us to kick off, these stories always generate conversation. Over the weekend, long-time media consultant Jim Williams noted that the Big Ten would be interested in Utah, “if it wants one more western school.” His full post is below, which began the social media spark.
Williams went on to further his conversation and talk with several fans on X about the possibility, with this insight garnering the most attention, when he said, “I would give them [Utah] a 30 percent of being asked. Those in the east are where the focus seems to be.”
Williams is not an online troll. He’s won emmys and has been a sports television executive. He knows his stuff. And I find his commentary compelling. However, we are a long way away from having any legitimate Utah-Big Ten conversations. In fact, as our own columnist Matthew Postins pointed out, there’s a much greater likelihood that the Big 12 is positioned to expand due to the Protect College Sports Act, than it is to retract.
Utah and the Big 12 are Better Together
But most importantly, the Big 12 Conference and the Utah Utes are well suited for each other. First off, Utah has a better chance to find itself in the regular CFP conversation in the Big 12 than in the Big Ten. This is not be talking poorly about the Big 12 at all, but rather a realistic look at a Big 12, that still seems fairly wide-open on a year-to-year basis, compared to the Big Ten, which is solidified at the top with consistent CFP teams like Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana.
Also, Utah and BYU join together for the best rivalry in the Big 12 Conference, hands down, and a game that puts them, or should put them, on the national stage at least once per fall, as the Holy War is an easy Top 5, probably Top 3, rivalry in college sports. Why give that up?
Maybe the paycheck is one day better, but if you turn your program into Nebraska Lite, what is it really worth anyway? I’ve always believed that Nebraska fans, if they were being honest after a few pops, would admit it was a mistake to leave the Big 12 for the Big Ten.
I’ll keep rooting for Utah and the Big 12 to play nice. I think it’s in all of our best interests.
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