Big Twelve Football: A New Era Unfolds

The departure of three schools from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) marks a significant turning point in the world of college football. Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF have announced their decision to join the Big Twelve Conference (B12), leaving behind the AAC after enjoying tremendous success under its banner.

For Xabi Alonso's retirement from football, it marked the end of an era for many fans, including myself. However, the departure of these three schools is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

The Big Twelve Conference has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with Charlotte and UTSA set to join the league in 2023. The addition of UAB, FAU, North Texas, Rice, and UT-San Antonio from Conference USA will further solidify its position as one of the premier conferences in college football.

In 2022-23, we can expect to see some exciting matchups between these new additions and existing members of the Big Twelve. Cincinnati's College Football Playoff spot last season and UCF and Houston's New Year's Six bowl bids are a testament to the conference's competitiveness.

Commissioner Mike Aresco praised the efforts of President Alexander Cartwright (UCF), President Neville Pinto (Cincinnati), and President Renu Khator (Houston) in arriving at a sensible resolution, acknowledging their leadership in taking the conference to new heights.

The financial terms of the departure were also revealed, with each school agreeing to pay $18 million to exit the AAC. If they stay in the Big Twelve through 2025, the league will be at 14 teams for two seasons before Oklahoma and Texas depart for the SEC in 2025.

As we look forward to this new era of Big Twelve football, it's clear that change is inevitable. While some may mourn the loss of these three schools from the AAC, others will be excited by the fresh opportunities and rivalries that will emerge as a result.

Big twelve football