Three U.S. colleges are thought to be nearing realignment, where the sports landscape is concerned.
We’ve seen several notable realignments in college sports over the past decade and a half, with top schools such as Nebraska, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, US,C and Missouri all changing conferences.
There were also some significant developments on that front last year. Florida State and Clemson settled lawsuits with the ACC to clear a path for their exit, with their eyes likely on the SEC, while Oregon State and Washington State were added to the Mountain West after the Pac-12 collapsed. SMU also left the AAC for the ACC, replacing one of the schools that left.
According to ESPN, Texas State, Louisiana Tech, and Memphis could also be on the move soon.
Texas State is believed to be on the verge of joining the Pac-12 from the Sun Belt Conference, and a formal invitation is expected by July 21. The school rejected an invite from the Mountain West and is now viewed as one of the biggest potential coups for the Pac-12’s extension.
Louisiana State could replace them in the Sun Belt should they move, with Western Kentucky also under consideration.
The University Of Memphis Is In Talks, But Their Move Should Be Delayed
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The University of Memphis, the biggest school of the three, has been in talks to potentially join the Pac-12; however, that might not materialize until 2027 due to financial reservations. The school previously rejected an invitation because of travel concerns, but discussions remain open.
Memphis is considered the biggest of the lot as they have a top basketball program that plays in the NCAA Tournament regularly and has produced some top NBA talents, most notably Derrick Rose, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, and Emoni Bates.
They also rank higher academically, while their current placement in the AAC offers them more exposure than Texas State and Louisiana Tech.
