SEC Realignment: Texas A&M Takes Next Step in the Process

Texas A&M University President R. Bowen Loftin notified the Big 12 Conference today that A&M is exploring options regarding conference affiliation, and requested that the Big 12 outline the process for withdrawing from the conference. This is the second step in the process for A&M to leave the Big 12 and join the Southeastern Conference.

The first step was when the Texas A&M Board of Regents authorized Loftin to look into changing conferences in a meeting on August 15.

The Aggies are simply following the same procedure that Nebraska followed in 2009 when they announced their intention to leave the Big 12 and join the Big 10.

Texas A&M has been very deliberate in this process due to potential legal and political obstacles that may arise from A&M leaving the conference. Baylor University President Kenn Starr has been very active in voicing his displeasure with A&M leaving and trying to do everything in his power to prevent it.

The Aggies and the SEC are basically going through the necessary motions to ensure that this process is met with as little legal challenges as possible. The next step for A&M would be to petition the SEC for membership. Once that step is completed, expect the SEC to deliberate for a few days before ultimately admitting A&M as the 13th member of the conference.