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AUSTIN, Texas – The eyes of Texas are on the two biggest names in the Big 12 Conference. The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma have made waves after they reportedly petitioned to attend the powerful Southeastern Conference.
What you need to know
- The move could make the SEC the first national super-conference and strand the remaining Big 12 teams
- Texas A&M left the Big 12 nearly a decade ago and is the only program in the state of Texas on the SEC
- Over the years, accounts have been drawn up in an attempt to revive the Texas A&M-Texas soccer rivalry
- It would take 11 of the 14 members of the conference for the Longhorns and Sooners to approve the move
Officials with UT and OU neither confirm nor deny them. The move could make the SEC the first national super-conference and strand the remaining Big 12 teams. Less than 24 hours later, state legislators weigh up.
In the past few years, college sports have found their way to infiltrate the Texas Capitol. State lawmakers have taken up a bill that will allow students to benefit from their image and likeness. Over the years, accounts have been drawn up in an attempt to revive the football rivalry between Texas A&M and Texas.
Baylor graduate Jeff Leach, R-Plano, said the lack of transparency was wrong on Twitter. He said he was working on a bill that would require legislative clearance for UT to exit the Big 12. In a tweet, Leach said, “This is about a lot more than college sports, real, substantial and potentially devastating.”
This is about a lot more than college sports. The impact of UT’s decision on communities and businesses across Texas would be real, significant, and potentially devastating. The Texan legislature is obliged to cooperate on behalf of the Texans affected. https://t.co/j531wnrIWs
– Jeff Leach (@leachfortexas) July 22, 2021
Meanwhile, Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who joined Texas Tech, expressed similar views on social media. Burrows noted how the Texas legislature devotes millions of dollars to higher education every session. Burrows tweeted, “There should be no secrecy when it comes to tax dollars, especially when it comes to far-reaching and impactful decisions by our universities.”
The TX legislation applies millions of dollars to our higher ED public institutions at each session. When it comes to tax dollars, secrecy should not be considered, especially when it comes to far-reaching and effective decisions by our universities. 1/2 #txlege
– Dustin Burrows (@ Burrows4TX) July 22, 2021
Texas A&M left the Big 12 nearly a decade ago and is the only program in the state of Texas on the SEC. Recent statements by Aggie’s sports director suggest that it should stay that way. The Longhorns and Sooners would need 11 of the 14 members of the conference to approve the move.
Texas politicians have thrown their weight behind conference realignment in the past, and it’s not the first time UT has teased the exit from the Big 12. Around the time A&M was leaving, UT was also considering leaving. Baylor University officials tried to attract graduates to the state legislature. In the 1990s, former Governor Anny Richards and Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock to form the Big 12 because they wanted to save their Alma Maters Baylor or Texas Tech.
Governor Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) are Texas exes.
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