Amid a Big 12 Conference shift, ACC rumors about Utah football have been shut down.
Utah football will remain in the Big 12, for the time being, at least. Though it was somewhat unexpected to see reports that the Utes would be joining the ACC prior to their Big 12 season, that is the current state of affairs in collegiate athletics. According to the initial speculations, Utah might be looking into this contract because of the ACC’s ESPN deal and how it might result in increased TV value.
“There are rumors circulating regarding possible changes to college sports conferences,” tweeted Dick Weiss. Despite recently joining the Big 12, there is talk that Utah might transfer to the ACC. Some argue the ACC’s ESPN network arrangement and prospects for higher TV value make it a better fit. But there are doubts about the ACC’s stability and allure in comparison to the Big 12.
Utah Athletics has dispelled these claims, claiming in a recent statement that any stories indicating they would not be joining the Big 12 were untrue.
“We are thrilled to join our new colleagues and member institutions and are proud to be joining the Big 12 Conference in the upcoming months,” the statement said. “A report that surfaced over the weekend suggesting otherwise is utterly false and reckless.”
Although Utah’s football team and other sports programs will be joining the Big 12, nobody can predict what the future holds for them. Currently, conference realignment is one of the most significant developments occurring in collegiate athletics, particularly in college football.
The upcoming season will see a significant change in the way things seem, but many analysts predict further changes. According to a recently suggested possibility, the remaining Pac-12 schools, Oregon State and Washington State, could combine with Mountain West universities to revive the defunct West Coast conference.
Every conference will be unique the following year. Given that every other university has departed but Washington State and Oregon State, the Pac-12 will undoubtedly disappear. Though they aren’t members of the league, those two have a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West.
Washington, Oregon, USC, UCLA, and USC will all be added to the Big Ten. The remaining universities will transfer to the Big 12, while Stanford and Cal will join the ACC. Next year, the Big 12 will have many Pac-12 schools, but they will also be without two of their most recognizable brands. The SEC will include Oklahoma and Texas in the upcoming season.
Based on the current course of events, it appears that the Big Ten and SEC will soon combine to form two megaleagues. Who knows what the future holds for Utah, but for the time being, they still intend to join the Big 12 and have no intention of joining the ACC.