Andrew Pace
BYU Athletics officially joined the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023, marking the end of their 12-year run as an independent team. BYU will be a full member of the Big 12, competing in every sport sponsored by the conference except for equestrian, rowing, wrestling, and men's volleyball. The addition of BYU to the Big 12 Conference is significant, as it brings BYU sports and teams to a new level, with the opportunity to compete in one of the nation's elite conferences. BYU's men's basketball team, in particular, is now part of the best college men's basketball league in America, setting the stage for exciting matchups and intense competition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| BYU's status in the Big 12 | BYU officially joined the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023 |
| Sports included | All except equestrian, rowing, wrestling, and men's volleyball |
| Teams joining alongside BYU | UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston |
| Number of teams in the Big 12 for 2023-24 | 14 |
| Number of teams in the Big 12 after Texas and Oklahoma exit | 12 |
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What You'll Learn
BYU joins the Big 12 as a full member
On July 1, 2023, Brigham Young University (BYU) officially became a full member of the Big 12 Conference, joining alongside the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Houston. This expansion brings the total number of teams in the conference to 14 for the 2023-24 academic year, after which it will return to its namesake 12 institutions with the departure of the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma for the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
BYU's move to the Big 12 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides stability to the Cougars' athletic programs, reducing the number of non-conference slots they need to fill annually from 12 to three. Secondly, it elevates the profile of BYU's sports teams, particularly in men's basketball, where the Big 12 is considered the best college league in America. This move will see BYU face top-tier opponents like Baylor, Kansas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma, providing a platform for the Cougars to showcase their talent and compete against some of the nation's elite programs.
While BYU's football program has a rich history, having competed in five different conferences over the previous 101 years, this marks the first time the Cougars have joined a power league in their athletic department's history. The transition to the Big 12 also resolves scheduling challenges faced during their period of independence, when front-loading games in September allowed them to face power conference opponents whose league schedules often began later in the year. Now, as part of the Big 12, BYU will face neighbours like the Utes and established teams like Baylor, Cincinnati, and West Virginia, ensuring a consistent stream of high-level competition.
BYU's entry into the Big 12 is a testament to the university's long-term vision and the strength of its athletic programs. While the Cougars will not participate in equestrian, rowing, or wrestling, which are not sponsored by the Big 12, they will compete in every other sport the conference offers. Notably, BYU's men's volleyball team will continue to play in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) as the Big 12 does not offer this sport. The Big 12 will also honour BYU's existing Sunday-play policy, allowing the Cougars to schedule around Sunday competition, demonstrating respect for the university's values and traditions.
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Men's basketball will be challenging
BYU's men's basketball coach, Mark Pope, acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling the Big 12 the "best league in the country in basketball." He also highlighted the additions of powerhouse programs like Texas and Oklahoma, which will make the conference even tougher. BYU's athletic director, Tom Holmoe, expressed similar sentiments, stating that competing in the Big 12 will provide more opportunities for their student-athletes.
The move to the Big 12 will bring BYU sports to a new level, and the men's basketball team will need to rise to the occasion. They will face off against renowned teams and aim to pull off upsets, showcasing their skills and determination. While it will be a climb, BYU is excited to prove they belong among the nation's elite.
BYU's men's basketball team has a lot to prove as they enter the Big 12, but with their dedication and the support of their fans, they will strive to make their mark in this prestigious league. The team's hard work and resilience will be crucial as they take on some of the biggest names in college basketball. While it won't be easy, BYU is committed to embracing the challenge and making the most of this incredible opportunity.
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BYU's path to the Big 12
BYU's journey to the Big 12 began in 2011 when they declared their football independence and placed all their Olympic sports in the West Coast Conference (WCC). This move gave them more exposure and access to different teams and towns across the country, helping to grow their fan base. During this time, they also nearly doubled their number of nationally televised games compared to the Mountain West.
BYU's athletic director, Tom Holmoe, and President Kevin J Worthen, expressed their gratitude to the WCC for their partnership, which began in 2011. Holmoe also acknowledged that going independent gave BYU "wings" and allowed them to take risks and play for the fun of the game.
BYU's entry into the Big 12 Conference is a significant development, as it marks the first time in the university's 101-year football history that they have joined a power league. The Cougars will compete in every sport sponsored by the Big 12 except equestrian, rowing, wrestling, and men's volleyball, which will remain in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) as it is not offered by the Big 12.
BYU's teams, known as the Cougars, will face some challenges in the Big 12, especially in men's basketball, which is considered the best college men's basketball league in America. However, BYU's teams and fans are excited about the opportunity to compete against top-tier opponents and showcase their skills.
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The Big 12's impact on BYU's football program
BYU's football program has had its fair share of success, with a Heisman winner, national players of the year, and a national championship in 1984. However, despite this competitive success, BYU has historically remained outside the collegiate elite. Joining the Big 12 will change that.
The Big 12 is a power-packed athletic conference, and BYU's football program will now have the opportunity to compete with some of the biggest names and brands in college football. This move will bring BYU's football program to a new level and provide it with more exposure and recognition. BYU will now have a chance to showcase its talent and prove that it belongs among the elite football programs in the nation.
One of the biggest impacts of joining the Big 12 is the increased competition BYU's football program will face. The Big 12 is home to some of the top football programs in the country, including Baylor, Houston, and Oklahoma State. This heightened competition will push BYU's football program to new heights and force them to elevate their level of play to match their new opponents.
In addition to increased competition, BYU's football program will also benefit from the structure and resources of the Big 12 Conference. The conference will provide more opportunities for student-athletes, including better access to the College Football Playoff. Under the proposed changes to the College Football Playoff, BYU would have a 1 in 8 chance of making the playoff, a significant improvement from their previous position.
The move to the Big 12 is a step up for BYU's football program, and they will now have to rise to the challenge of competing with some of the best teams in the country. However, with their history of success and their talented athletes and coaches, BYU is ready for this new chapter and the opportunity to establish themselves among the elite football programs in the nation.
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The Big 12's impact on other BYU sports
BYU Cougars have joined the Big 12 athletic conference, bringing their sports teams to a new level. The Cougars will participate in every sport sponsored by the Big 12 except equestrian, rowing, wrestling, and men's volleyball. This means that BYU's sports teams will now have the opportunity to compete against some of the biggest names and brands in college athletics.
The impact of joining the Big 12 will be felt across all BYU sports. For example, the women's soccer team kicked off BYU's competition in the Big 12 on September 14, 2023, followed by the football team travelling to Kansas on September 23, 2023. The men's basketball team will also benefit from the move, as the Big 12 is the best college men's basketball league in America, providing BYU with the opportunity to showcase their talent and compete against the top teams in the country.
BYU's athletic director, Tom Holmoe, has expressed excitement about the move, stating that it will provide more opportunities for their student-athletes. The Big 12 will also honor BYU's existing Sunday-play policy, allowing the Cougars to schedule around Sunday competition. This accommodation has been made by other conferences in the past and ensures that BYU can adhere to their values while still competing at the highest level.
The move to the Big 12 will also have implications for BYU's football team and their pursuit of a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). In the proposed format for the CFP, the Big 12 is expected to receive two automatic bids per year. This guarantees better access for BYU than they have ever experienced before. Additionally, their performance against highly-ranked teams, such as Kansas State and Tennessee, will likely boost their resume and impact their CFP rankings.
Overall, the impact of joining the Big 12 will be far-reaching for BYU's sports programs. It will provide greater exposure, tougher competition, and more opportunities for their student-athletes across various sports. The move signifies a new chapter in Cougar sports history and will undoubtedly shape the future of BYU athletics.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, BYU basketball will join the Big 12.
BYU officially joined the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023.
BYU will participate in every sport sponsored by the Big 12 except equestrian, rowing, and wrestling.
Joining the Big 12 will provide "more opportunities" for BYU student-athletes and create much-needed schedule stability.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and President Kevin J Worthen expressed their gratitude to the WCC for their partnership. BYU men's basketball coach Mark Pope called the move "historic" and said it will be an "unbelievable challenge".
