SEC Expansion: Texas A&M Reportedly Entering SEC Play in 2012

Playing football in the SEC just got tougher, if that is even possible.

Contrary to earlier reports today that said the SEC was content with their current set up and was planning on moving forward—for now—with the their 12 teams, another report has surfaced stating that the Texas A&M Aggies will, in fact, be joining the SEC.

According to report from OrangeBloods.com (Rivals.com's Texas Longhorn site), the situation will be ironed out within the next 21 days, and the SEC will announce that Texas A&M will become the newest member of the conference starting in 2012.

Chip Brown writes:

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"A source locked into Texas A&M's situation said the Aggies will be announced as members of the Southeastern Conference beginning in 2012 within 21 days. 'Texas A&M wants the SEC, and the SEC wants Texas A&M,' the source said."

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We obviously know the interest is there, but varying reports have brought up different reasons for the SEC's hesitation to add the Aggies ranging from the addition of 14th team to cover-ups on money.

The move is intriguing from both ends, but a lot of talk has surfaced around A&M's displeasure with Texas and the current situation in the Big 12.

Brown went on to add:

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"A source close to Loftin (Texas A&M president) said he will not talk about the Aggies' dissatisfaction with Texas and the ESPN-run Longhorn Network at the committee hearing. Instead, he'll talk about the benefits to Texas A&M of moving to the SEC, including more national exposure and branding as part of the SEC and equal revenue sharing.

"Three sources in the know about the Texas A&M and SEC situation said they all believe the statement released by Florida president Bernie Machen, chair of the SEC presidents and chancellors, was merely a chance for the SEC and A&M to catch their breath during this courtship.

"The plan is still very much for Texas A&M to be added to the SEC."

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All in all that sounds a lot like A&M making a move simply because of pride. The Longhorns have always thrown their weight, exposure and popularity around in the face of the Aggies and for a long time now it has bothered them.

The move will obviously earn the school more money overall and it will also put them in play for recruits they weren't able to get before.

The program enters the 2011 season, the last now expected in the Big 12, with its highest preseason ranking since 1999.

Starting in 2012, if the SEC doesn't add another program, we know the Aggies will at least have one major rival to battle in Arkansas. 

The move will not be universally loved, but the SEC is going to do things the way it wants and football in the nation's best conference is going to be even more exciting.

- Wes O'Donnell