Analyzing the West Virginia Mountaineers' Best Conference Realignment Options

Conference realignment appears to have slowed down but it is highly unlikely that expansion is over. With the Big East in shambles, the ACC on the prowl and the SEC and Big 12 in need of teams, the Mountaineers of West Virginia could be on the move in the very near future.

But where should they go?

Here’s a power ranking of the available conference options.

4. Big East

There isn’t a single conference in worse shape than the Big East. Pittsburgh and Syracuse just jumped ship to the ACC, UConn does not appear to want any part of it and neither does Notre Dame.

There is absolutely no reason for West Virginia to stay in the Big East without some monumental changes. But even if those changes were coming, the Mountaineers would probably be gone before they’re implemented.

3. Big 12

The Big 12 is still dominated by Texas and Oklahoma and that likely won’t fly for long in Morgantown.

Other than that, the Big 12 would be a great fit and joining would benefit both parties involved. If they can begin sharing revenue, the Big 12 moves up, possibly all the way to No. 1.

2. ACC

Pitt will be in the ACC and that will make scheduling their rivalry that much easier. This would be a fantastic move for the Mountaineers but not as great a move for the ACC.

Sure, West Virginia has the best football in the Big East, but the ACC cares about academics more than almost any other conference. The Mountaineers fall flat in that category and don’t add much in television markets either.

1. SEC

The SEC is the dream conference for just about any team in its geographic footprint. West Virginia fits in the conference well culturally, and academics would not be as much of an issue.

This move would expand the SEC’s market more towards the northeast, but Missouri provides a bigger market. They may not get an invite, but the SEC would be the Mountaineers’ top choice.