OU and Texas exiting stage right of the Big 12 has seemingly signaled the beginning of the end for the league as we know it. At worst, it will crumble as other members find other conferences to call home. At best, it stays together and retains its status as a top-five league in America. Also possible: standing pat and falling from the ranks of the Power Five.
But what if, instead, this moment in realignment was the start of something new? What if, instead of falling from the Power Five structure, the Big 12 used this as an opportunity to rebuild itself by raiding a non-Power Five — like the AAC?