Just because the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten are set to soon become the nation's first 16-team "super conferences" doesn't mean other leagues aren't engaged in power plays.
The University of Colorado announced Thursday that its Board of Regents unanimously approved a resolution allowing the Buffalos to join the Big 12 Conference effective for the 2024-25 academic year. Colorado had spent a dozen years in the Pac-12 and leaves that conference, already reeling from the loss of two marquee members in UCLA and UCS to the Big Ten starting next year, further diminished in national stature.
For the Big 12, which loses heavyweights Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC next year, the addition of Colorado breathes a bit of life into the league.
"After careful thought and consideration, it was determined that a switch in conference would give CU Boulder the stability, resources, and exposure necessary for long-term future success in a college athletics environment that is constantly evolving," chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George said in a joint statement. "The Big 12's national reach across three time zones as well as our shared creative vision for the future we feel makes it an excellent fit for CU Boulder, our students, faculty, and alumni.
"These decisions are never easy and we've valued our 12 years as proud members of the Pac-12 Conference. We look forward to achieving new goals while embarking on this exciting next era as members of the Big 12 Conference."
For the Buffalos, it's a homecoming. CU had been a member of the Big 12 from its inception in 1996 through 2010 (and a member of the Big Eight for 48 years prior to that).
"We are pleased that CU Boulder will return to the Big 12 for athletics competition," Board of Regents chair Callie Rennison said in a statement. "We are thankful for the due diligence and time put in by Chancellor DiStefano and Athletics Director George, and we appreciate President Saliman bringing their conference affiliation recommendation to the Board of Regents. We look forward to seeing Buff athletics achieve great things on and off the fields of play."
Existing Big 12 members immediately welcomed the addition of Colorado. "BYU Excited To Have Colorado As Big 12 Partner Out West" read one headline.
“Iowa State is thrilled to welcome the University of Colorado back into the Big 12 Conference," said ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard in a statement, as reported by the Iowa State Daily. "The Cyclones and Buffaloes enjoyed a spirited rivalry for more than 60 years in the Big 7, Big 8 and early years of the Big 12, so we are excited to resume competing with them next year."
