The Big 12’s grant of rights originally was expected to keep Texas and Oklahoma in the league until 2025, when they are set to leave for the SEC. However, according to new reports, there is real momentum towards the two sides reaching an agreement that would see the two schools departing the conference a year early.
The Action Network first reported that the two schools are engaged in discussions with the Big 12 about an early move. The Athletic quotes an unnamed Big 12 school official as saying the two sides are “definitely engaged on it,” with another source saying that “it’s likely they are leaving early.” In addition, two Big 12 athletic directors “expressed confidence a deal would be reached,” per the report.
An early jump to the SEC for 2024 would line up with a number of other significant changes coming to college football, including the SEC’s gargantuan new ESPN deal, College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams and the Big Ten’s own expansion to 16 teams with the additions of USC and UCLA.
