TCU Set to Switch Once More

In an article in USA Today, Steve Wieberg takes a look at the situation developing in Fort Worth with the Horned Frogs and their recent invitation in the now hopeful Big 12. Finally, the Big 12 goes on the offensive after already losing three schools and getting ready for Missouri’s probable move to the Southeastern Conference. If this goes through, then it will be TCU’s fifth conference change in the past 16 years.

One of those 5 conference changes, pending acception, will include the move from the Big East. Wait, aren’t the Horned Frogs still in the Mountain West? Well a few months ago TCU signed a deal that would have them playing in the Big East. While not having never played a game as a Big East member, TCU, as of now, is an official member.

The Big 12, fearing total dismantlement, has been meeting to review possible targets for recruitment. Among these have been Louisville, BYU, West Virginia and of course TCU, whom they’ve already sent an invitation. Missouri has already expressed intent to seek other conferences, and their president did not even these meetings. The next likely move will be to replace Missouri, pending their decision, in order to preserve the ten member equilibrium.

With these recent developments, the party that is left in most trouble is the Big East. Already looking to recruit teams with the prestige of Navy, Temple, Central Florida, and East Carolina, it is no secret that they were looking to TCU to be a solidifying member. Another big issue developing now is the NCAA requirement of top-tier conferences to have at least 8 members. With TCU’s departure they will have 6 active members for the next season.

With all that has been going through the news lately, the conference that looked to be in the most trouble was the Big 12. But in a matter of a few weeks, and with the departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and ‘TCU’, it is now clear which BCS conference is now in the hot seat. Soon we will find out what the response will be from the Big East, as they have yet to comment on all the recent happenings. There is a chance the Big East can take legal action against TCU since they have already signed with the conference and will be required to comply with the notice of withdrawal and the buy-out clauses.