College Football Speculation 2011: Options for the Future of the Big 12

With the prospects of Texas A&M leaving for the SEC's greener pastures growing each day, the Big 12 looks to crumble even sooner than anyone originally thought.

However, there are some options for the Big 12.

They aren't premium options, or even enough to replace what the Big 12 will probably lose, but they would be enough to—at the very least—keep the conference afloat.

Arkansas

The most obvious choice geographically would be Arkansas.

As a former member of the old Southwest Conference, Arkansas would fit in nicely and would have a much better shot at winning the Big 12 than it does now of winning the SEC.

That being said, Arkansas is going nowhere. The Big 12 can't offer the kind of money the SEC can, so this remains a huge long shot, if not an impossibility.

Boise State

Another obvious choice thanks to their recent national success, the Boise State Broncos would more than likely accept an invitation, as it would be a step up from the WAC and Mountain West.

However, whether the Big 12 would want them is another matter entirely. Boise State brings very little to the table money- and TV-wise.

It would probably be used to round out the conference but would not be among the Big 12's first choices.

Brigham Young

BYU would actually be one of the best options for the Big 12.

The Cougars have a large following, thanks to their representation of the Mormon faith. Millions upon millions watch their TV network, which is very attractive to the Big 12.

But BYU might not come. Why? Its independent status gives the Cougars much freedom, which allows them to do as they please. It seems that their main focus is spreading the Mormon faith, which is something they may feel they can best do alone.

Ultimately, the Big 12 will want them, but they may not want the Big 12.

Houston

Houston has also been mentioned as an option.

While the Cougars have done well in Conference USA and are a geographical fit for the Big 12, they still aren't much of an addition.

They are a second-tier team in a state dominated by the University of Texas and have—at least—five teams above them in the college pecking order in that state.

They would help the Big 12 keep some of their Texas recruiting strength, but that's about it.

Southern Methodist

Basically the same story as Houston here.

An old Southwest Conference team that is low on the Texas totem pole and doesn't bring much to the table.

Except it is worse than Houston. The Big 12 doesn't want SMU.

TCU

Like Houston and SMU, TCU is a former Southwest Conference team. Unlike those programs, TCU has proven it can have success at a high level.

The Horned Frogs have won BCS bowls and dominated the Mountain West (the best non-BCS conference).

They would be one of the best options for the Big 12, but their addition would have its downsides.

They are a private school, something the Big 12 absolutely does not want. They also have a small stadium they have trouble filling and would not be able to beat out other Texas programs for TVs.

And yet they are still one of the best options.