TCU to the Big 12: Power Ranking the 'New' Big 12 if TCU Joins

We already knew that conference realignment was some chaotic stuff, but today things just got a little bit crazier in the college football world. The TCU Horned Frogs, who were supposed to join the Big East next season, may have decided to switch routes. TCU has just received an invite from the Big 12 to be the 10th team and help save the conference.

This makes much more sense for TCU, as the move is more geographically friendly and is a better conference overall as competition is concerned. 

Now the question is, will the Big 12 be happy with just 10 teams, or will they look to add another two teams?

For now, let's power rank the 'new' Big 12 conference with the addition of TCU.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

Bleacher Report is your home for college football for the 2011 season. From scores, news, analysis, live blogs and updates on your favorite teams and the big national games every week, keep it on Bleacher Report for the very latest in college football news.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Even if the Kansas football program was any good, they would always be overshadowed by their basketball program.

Kansas has won three bowl games since 2005, but they struggle to compete with the big boys of the Big 12 conference. 

As of right now, their defense is ranked dead last in the country, with 44 points per game given up. Even on their bye week they give up touchdowns.

9. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State has only won 21 games in the last four years. In case you're wondering, that is 4.2 wins a season. That is not going to get it done in the Big 12.

Even Gene Chizik couldn't get this team on the right track for the two years he coached them.

They are off to a nice start this season, but still have a long way to go before they climb out of the cellar.

8. Baylor Bears

I know Robert Griffin is loved by everybody in the country, but this is ranking the teams in the conference, not the players.

The fact is, Baylor hasn't won a bowl game since 1992, and have only participated in two since then.

Maybe the success they are having this season will help recruiting, but until we see more W's, this is where they stay.

7. Kansas State Wildcats

There was a time when Kansas State would always participate in a bowl game, but lately that hasn't been the case.

It does, however, look like head coach Bill Snyder has finally gotten this team back on track, as they are 4-0 this season, with wins over Miami and Baylor. 

Hopefully it continues for this program.

6. TCU Horned Frogs

Why do I have TCU here? Because this isn't the MWC anymore. You have to prove yourself before you are considered a top team in the Big 12.

Sure, TCU has held their own the past several seasons, but can they do that week in and week out against top competition? We shall see.

5. Missouri Tigers

Missouri is one of those teams that is decent every season, and earns some big wins, but can never seem to get over the hump for whatever reason.

They have been ranked the last six years in a row, but never get mentioned as an elite team.

I would like to see their program continue to grow and take that next step.

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State is a lot like Missouri: good, but never able to take that next step.

They win big football games and participate in bowl games, but don't really do anything special.

It would be nice for them to take that talent and compete for a Big 12 title and make a BCS bowl.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech was already a solid program.

With the addition of head coach Tommy Tuberville, the Red Raiders should be able to get to the next level to where they are mentioned with Texas and Oklahoma.

This team can prove a lot this season with a brutal schedule coming up, including games against five ranked Big 12 opponents.

2. Texas Longhorns

Sure, Texas had an off year last season, but when was the last time you could say that?

That was the first time Texas didn't make a bowl game since 1997. It was also head coach Mack Brown's first losing season since 1989.

Texas always recruits well, and will be atop the Big 12 for years to come.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma is the best team in the Big 12, and their results on the field prove it.

This team is constantly competing for a National Championship, and has won four of the last five Big 12 championships.

With the recruiting classes this team has every season, they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.