What BYU Brings to the Big 12

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While rumors about BYU joining the Big 12 have existed for quite some time, next summer, those rumors will finally become a reality. In hindsight, it is a bit of a surprise this union has not happened sooner as the Cougars have expressed interest in joining the Big 12 since the conference began in 1994. Although it did take significant realignment for the Big 12 to extend an invitation, BYU brings a national brand and highly competitive football and basketball programs to elevate the Big 12. In turn, the Cougars finally get to join a power five conference and legitimately compete for a spot in the college football playoff.

 

BYU’s football program has been steadily consistent over the past decade. Especially in recent years, the Cougars have elevated their play and are a top 20 program nationally. Just last year, BYU beat Utah, the winner of the Pac 12, and the USC Trojans. Although the 2020 season had many cancelations due to COVID 19, BYU had their best season in recent memory, going 11 and 1 and beating UCF in their bowl game. However, their success as a program reaches beyond the collegiate level. With stars like Fred Warner and Zach Wilson, drafted number two overall, blossoming in the NFL, several BYU players will hear their names every spring in the NFL draft. 

 

While the football program might garner much national attention, BYU’s basketball team has been one of the better programs in the midwest for quite some time. Finishing 18th in the final rankings of the 2019-2020 season, the Cougars have proved they can make a deep run in March. The future for the basketball program also looks bright as Collin Chandler, a four-star combo guard rated as the 33rd best prospect in the country, headlines their recruiting class. 

 

While it took some time for the Big 12 and BYU to come together, their newly found affiliation will benefit both the school and the conference. Although not a top brand in college football like Alabama or USC, BYU is still recognized nationally. The University is also delighted to be a part of the Big 12, where they can compete for a conference championship and a potential spot in the college football playoff. The Big 12 also gets to expand their footprint out west which they have not had since Colorado left in 2010. Ultimately, BYU joining the Big 12 only strengthens the conference and, in turn, helps the Mountaineer faithful and their programs. 

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