The first conference realignment domino of what could be dozens may have fallen as reports have surfaced within the last hour alleging that the Nebraska University Board of Regents has approved an offer from the Big 10 to join as the conference's 12th team.
Once again, Chip Brown of OrangeBloods.com was the first to report on the behind-the-scenes decisions that may reshape NCAA conferences forever. He says: "A source close to the Nebraska Board of Regents told Orangebloods.com the regents met informally Wednesday and have agreed to move to the Big Ten and that a formal announcement Nebraska is leaving will come Friday."
As was reported here earlier today, the Big 10 is alleged to have an offer on the table to Notre Dame, meeting their demands that should the Irish join the conference, the Big 10 will cap expansion at 12 teams. While Notre Dame has not responded publicly to this offer, the apparent acceptance of an offer to join the Big 10 by Nebraska means either (1) the Big 10 is moving ahead with expansion without Notre Dame, (2) the Big 10 may try to add Notre Dame later as part of a 16-team Big 10 plan, or (3) a compromise has been reached between the Irish and the Big 10.
What does this mean for the future of the Big East and the Bearcats? According to Brown, several Big XII sources close to Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech have suggested over the last week that if Nebraska leaves, "the Big 12 can't be saved."
If the Big XII crumbles, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado are expected to accept offers to join the Pac 10. Then, the scenario detailed here yesterday - resulting in Cincinnati joining the ACC as one of four 16-team "mega conferences" - becomes even more likely.
Stay tuned!
See also: With conferences poised to realign, Cincinnati is left in limbo and Cincinnati's athletic fate may be in the hands of Notre Dame.
_______________________________________________________
Follow Joshua on Twitter to stay up to date and subscribe at the top of the page for updates.
Comments