Pac-10 Expansion: Who Will Be the 16th Team?

With the addition of Colorado, the Pac-10 has become the Pac-11. 

Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State are expected to formally announce their intentions to join—as soon as Tuesday for Texas—making it the Pac-15.

Who will make it the Pac-16?

Texas and Texas A&M are almost certain to stay together due to state legislation and television contracts, so the Aggies would be the first choice by the Pac-15 and the State of Texas.

But who really belongs in the final spot of the Pac-16?

In the mix will be Baylor.

Though their athletics are not up to the level of the Texas and Oklahoma schools, they are on the rise and like Colorado, they would be a welcomed addition academically.

Throw in the fact that with a healthy Robert Griffin Baylor’s football team is as good, if not better than A&M and Colorado, and they are a perfect fit for the Pac-16. 

Baylor’s recent success in baseball and basketball (both men and women), along with their strong academics, add to their attractiveness.

The next prospective institution to complete the Pac-16 is BYU.

For the same reasons as Baylor, the Cougars would fit well as a 16th team in the expanding Pac-10.

The Cougars offer strong academics, a rising athletic program, and geographic proximity to other Pac-10 schools. 

Finally, TCU.

The Horned Frogs are finally nationally ranked and a legitimate football program.

With Head Coach Gary Patterson at the helm, TCU will continue to improve as a football program, especially with the recruiting advantages that being part of the Pac-16 would provide.

TCU also provides the academic standards associated with the Pac-10.

The Pac-16 will be a reality in the near future.  15 institutions are in place.  Who will round it out?