Big 12 Expansion: Breaking down the candidates
The following information appears in the Spring 2016 edition of Powercat Illustrated, which mailed to subscribers on Friday, February 26. It is based on an analytical study of potential Big 12 candidates, comparing each of those schools to each other.
With the Big 12 Conference is considering expansion, GoPowercat publisher Tim Fitzgerald examined 16 possible expansion candidates based on five different criteria to establish the top choices if the Big 12 decides to add members.
MONDAY'S ANALYSIS: SHOULD THE BIG 12 RETURN TO 12 MEMBERS?
COMING WEDNESDAY: SOLVING AN EXPANSION SCHEDULING DILEMMA
BAYLOR
ENROLLMENT: 16,787 ACADEMIC RANKING: 72 TV MARKET: 87 (Waco-Bryan)
IOWA STATE
ENROLLMENT: 34,732 ACADEMIC RANKING: 108 TV MARKET: 72 (Des Moines)
KANSAS
ENROLLMENT: 27,983 ACADEMIC RANKING: 115 TV MARKET: 33 (Kansas City)
KANSAS STATE
ENROLLMENT: 24,766 ACADEMIC RANKING: 146 TV MARKET: 135 (Topeka-Manhattan)
OKLAHOMA
ENROLLMENT: 28,966 ACADEMIC RANKING: 108 TV MARKET: 43 (Oklahoma City)
OKLAHOMA STATE
ENROLLMENT: 25,962 ACADEMIC RANKING: 149 TV MARKET: 43 (Oklahoma City)
TCU
ENROLLMENT: 10,323 ACADEMIC RANKING: 82 TV MARKET: 5 (Dallas-Fort Worth)
TEXAS
ENROLLMENT: 50,950 ACADEMIC RANKING: 52 TV MARKET: 39 (Austin)
TEXAS TECH
ENROLLMENT: 35,893 ACADEMIC RANKING: 168 TV MARKET: 144 (Lubbock)
WEST VIRGINIA
ENROLLMENT: 29,175 ACADEMIC RANKING: 175 TV MARKET: 23 (Pittsburgh)
STATISTICAL CREDITS
ENROLLMENT: 2014 numbers via Google
ACADEMIC RANKING: 2016 USA Today Best University Rankings
TV MARKET: 2015 Nielsen Company
EXPANSION BREAKDOWN CRITERIA
• Candidates were identified from previous media reports of potential additions to the Big 12.
• Analysis rankings based on comparison of the 16 candidates, not all college athletic programs.
LOCATION VALUE: Value in solving Big 12's existing geographical issues.
TELEVISION VALUE: Market reach for potential Big 12 Network
ATHLETIC VALUE: Ability to enhance quality of Big 12 athletics
ACADEMIC VALUE: Fit for the Big 12's existing academic mission
INTANGIBLE VALUE: Other factors, including travel and recruiting
CINCINNATI
ENROLLMENT: 43,691
ACADEMIC RANKING: 140
TV MARKET: 36
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 90-40
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 4 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-3): 1 |
(0-2): 2 |
17 |
|
The best choice to better tie WVU to the conference |
Good TV market in Big 10/SEC country |
Of these candidates, the best football/basketball combo |
Would rank in the middle of the conference |
Cincy (and Louisville) should have been invited before now |
CONNECTICUT
ENROLLMENT: 31,119
ACADEMIC RANKING: 57
TV MARKET: 30 (Hartford)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 58-67
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 4 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 3 |
(0-2): 2 |
14 |
|
Serves as an eastern extension from WVU |
Sits near NYC and next to ESPN world headquarters |
Would be Big 12’s second highest rated academic institution |
Would be Big 12’s second highest rated academic institution |
Did we mention this is ESPN’s “home” team? |
TEMPLE
ENROLLMENT: 37,788
ACADEMIC RANKING: 115
TV MARKET: 4 (Philadephia)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 58-54
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 4 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 2 |
(0-2): 0 |
11 |
|
Another East Coast tie-in for WVU |
Philadelphia is a huge market for a new Big 12 TV deal |
Temple has had its moments, but isn’t a power |
Very strong ranking and an even better reputation |
A cultural misfit for the conference |
EAST CAROLINA
ENROLLMENT: 27,511
ACADEMIC RANKING: 194
TV MARKET: 99 (Greenville)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 77-55
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 2 |
(0-5): 0 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 0 |
4 |
|
Well, it takes the conference eastward |
Not a very significant market or draw |
Doesn’t stand out in much, but decent reputation in football |
Barely made the nation’s top 200 listing |
Seems like a bad fit for the Big 12 |
MEMPHIS
ENROLLMENT: 21,480
ACADEMIC RANKING: Not ranked
TV MARKET: 50 (Memphis)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 46-78
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 1 |
12 |
|
This is one of the best regional fits and sits in SEC territory |
Good TV market, national name in basketball |
Improving football, but a pull in basketball |
Don’t count on Texas letting in this awful academic institution |
Opens up a prime basketball recruiting area |
TULANE
ENROLLMENT: 13,499
ACADEMIC RANKING: 41
TV MARKET: 51 (New Orleans)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 34-88
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-5): 0 |
(0-3): 3 |
(0-2): 2 |
12 |
|
Adjacent state that moves the conference eastward |
Good TV market but it’s still an SEC stronghold |
Nothing, but at least it’s in New Orleans |
Very strong and quite appealing to university presidents |
Any help with football recruiting in Louisiana is a big plus |
CENTRAL FLORIDA
ENROLLMENT: 60,767
ACADEMIC RANKING: 168
TV MARKET: 19 (Orlando)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 73-56
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 1 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-3): 1 |
(0-2): 2 |
12 |
|
It’s Florida, but it compounds the league’s geographic issues |
Putting the Big 12 on TVs in the Orlando market is a big deal |
A solid athletic reputation |
Would rank toward the bottom of the conference |
A football recruiting toehold in the Orlando area is huge |
SOUTH FLORIDA
ENROLLMENT: 48,793
ACADEMIC RANKING: 156
TV MARKET: 14 (Tampa-St. Petersburg)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 64-62
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 1 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 1 |
(0-2): 2 |
11 |
|
Again, this compounds the league’s geographic issues |
Putting the Big 12 on TVs in the Tampa market is smart |
Good, but UCF gets a slight edge here maybe in perception only |
Better than UCF but still would be near bottom of Big 12 |
A football recruiting toehold in the Tampa area is huge |
AIR FORCE
ENROLLMENT: 3,952
ACADEMIC RANKING: 29
TV MARKET: 89 (Colorado Springs)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 71-58
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 4 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-3): 3 |
(0-2): 0 |
13 |
|
An adjacent state is a rarity in this process |
The academy has a huge national following |
Solid all the way around |
The highest-rated academic choice on the menu |
The highest-rated academic choice on the menu |
COLORADO STATE
ENROLLMENT: 32,236
ACADEMIC RANKING: 127
TV MARKET: 17 (Denver)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 52-73
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 4 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-3): 2 |
(0-2): 2 |
14 |
|
This is the strongest western choice on the table |
On Denver’s fringe, but puts the Big 12 back into the market |
New football stadium, decent athletics |
Would land in the middle of the Big 12 |
A return to Colorado seems comfortable for the league |
HOUSTON
ENROLLMENT: 42,704
ACADEMIC RANKING: 187
TV MARKET: 10 (Houston)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 88-44
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 0 |
(0-5): 4 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 0 |
9 |
|
Right in the heart of the Big 12 |
The Big 12 is already valued in the Houston market |
Very good football, but basketball doesn’t add much |
Would sit at the bottom of the Big 12 |
Members don’t want another Big 12 Texas school recruiting Texas |
NEW MEXICO
ENROLLMENT: 25,816
ACADEMIC RANKING: 180
TV MARKET: 48 (Albuquerque)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 40-84
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 0 |
7 |
|
Another adjacent state candidate if moving west is a choice |
Decent TV market but doesn’t add much reach |
A football weakling, but very good basketball reputation |
Ranks below all current Big 12 members |
Is anyone really clamoring to add the Lobos to the Big 12? |
BRIGHAM YOUNG
ENROLLMENT: 29,672
ACADEMIC RANKING: 66
TV MARKET: 34 (Salt Lake City-Provo)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 93-37
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 0 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-3): 3 |
(0-2): 0 |
13 |
|
The Salt Lake City area doesn’t seem to help the Big 12 |
Big national following is BYU’s strong point |
Great all-around athletic department |
Very solid academic reputation |
Last time, BYU asked Big 12 to change for it. Not happening |
BOISE STATE
ENROLLMENT: 22,259
ACADEMIC RANKING: Not ranked
TV MARKET: 107 (Boise)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 113-19
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 0 |
(0-5): 3 |
(0-5): 5 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 1 |
9 |
|
Boise is a beautiful place with an ugly geographic fit for Big 12 |
National reputation in football |
The best football of all the choices and respectable basketball |
Boise does not appear in USA Today's national rankings. *corrected |
One of the few that strengthens the conference in football |
NEVEDA-LAS VEGAS
ENROLLMENT: 28,600
ACADEMIC RANKING: Not ranked
TV MARKET: 40
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 32-92
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 1 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 0 |
(0-2): 2 |
7 |
|
It’s Vegas, which is why it’s not a zero |
It’s Vegas, which is a decent market |
It’s Vegas, so Big 12 teams could flourish |
Uhm, it’s Vegas so why study? |
Road trips to Vegas ... Duh |
SAN DIEGO STATE
ENROLLMENT: 33,527
ACADEMIC RANKING: 149
TV MARKET: 29 (San Diego)
10-YEAR FOOTBALL RECORD: 65-62
| LOCATION | TELEVISION | ATHLETICS | ACADEMICS | INTANGIBLES | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(0-5): 0 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-5): 2 |
(0-3): 1 |
(0-2): 1 |
6 |
|
Going to southern California is a reach for the league |
At least it brings a Big 12 presence in a new region |
The Aztecs have had their moments in football, basketball |
Doesn’t bring much academic strength to the table |
Adding San Diego makes for long, but beautiful road trips |