West Virginia joins the Big 12 conference

Yet another domino has fallen in the conference reshuffling game as West Virginia officially joined the Big 12 today. The news comes amid weeks of rumors surrounding the comings and goings (and possible demise) of the conference.

Here’s the statement from Board of Directors Chairman Burns Hargis:

“The Big 12 Presidents and Chancellors are excited to welcome another outstanding institution to the Conference,” said Burns Hargis, Chair of the Big 12 Board of Directors and President of Oklahoma State University. “The addition of West Virginia, while expanding the reach of the Big 12, brings an impressive institution with esteemed academics and a proud athletic tradition into the Conference. This is another step in building a strong foundation for the future of the Big 12.”

Although Missouri has not formally left the conference, it’s only a matter of time—the proverbial dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. On the other side, this leaves the Big East in a precarious position as they’ve sent invites to several different schools and lost three traditional powerhouses in Syracuse, Pittsburgh and WVU.

The landscape of college athletics is rapidly changing and by the end of the year I suspect we’ll have at least two mega conferences before it’s all said and done.

West Virginia University To Join Big 12 Conference [Big 12]

--- Did you like this article? And you probably like contests, exclusive content, and smug commentary right? Then why aren't you liking Guyism on Facebook? Show some pride and click the "Like" button below right now: