With OU and Texas apparently headed for the SEC sometimes between 2022 and 2025, where do the remaining 8 schools find a new home? Let's start with the Big 10, who need two teams to get to the magic 16 number. Iowa State would seem to be a cinch. Oklahoma State is a possibility. Less likely, but also a possibility is that both Kansas Schools go.
The ACC would surely take West Virginia but who would be the 16th team? Do they try to put a squeeze play on Notre Dame, which will find itself in a rather difficult spot as an independent when the new 12 team Playoff System starts? The Irish could never get a 1st round bye because the would never be a conference champion as things stand now.
Finally the Pac 12. They need 4 teams to hit the magic number, but can go in many different directions. They can grab the two Kansas teams, TCU and Oklahoma State. They also could consider Baylor and Texas Tech if TCU came along. They also could raid the MWC and grab teams like San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and even the Air Force Academy.
The MWC can also expand by picking up the Big 12 leftovers if the Pac 12 does not raid their conference.
Now all of these teams would have to become academically qualified to enter new conferences. I do not know offhand who would and who would not, but it is safe to say that Baylor and TCU would have no problems in that area, both ranking in the top 100 academically in the country.
The ACC would surely take West Virginia but who would be the 16th team? Do they try to put a squeeze play on Notre Dame, which will find itself in a rather difficult spot as an independent when the new 12 team Playoff System starts? The Irish could never get a 1st round bye because the would never be a conference champion as things stand now.
Finally the Pac 12. They need 4 teams to hit the magic number, but can go in many different directions. They can grab the two Kansas teams, TCU and Oklahoma State. They also could consider Baylor and Texas Tech if TCU came along. They also could raid the MWC and grab teams like San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and even the Air Force Academy.
The MWC can also expand by picking up the Big 12 leftovers if the Pac 12 does not raid their conference.
Now all of these teams would have to become academically qualified to enter new conferences. I do not know offhand who would and who would not, but it is safe to say that Baylor and TCU would have no problems in that area, both ranking in the top 100 academically in the country.