Morgantown, WV – Conference realignment is far from over in collegiate athletics. After the Big 12 added eight schools in two years, many began to speculate whether the league would continue to expand. While that is certainly a possibility, there is now at least one program that will not be considered.
According to a report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Memphis offered $200 million to enter the Big 12 Conference. However, Brett McMurphy of On3 immediately reported that the Big 12 passed on the offered, claiming that they are “not interested” in adding the Tigers as a league member.
NEW: The Big 12 is “not interested” in adding Memphis, @Brett_McMurphy reports❌ https://t.co/apxV7lSr3B pic.twitter.com/ub3ZNZXzaC
— On3 (@On3sports) July 21, 2025
Memphis is a current member of the American Athletic Conference. Their football program is coming off an 11-win campaign that included a 42-37 victory over Big 12 member West Virginia in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. In 2023, the Tigers also took down Big 12 member Iowa State in the Autozone Liberty Bowl, 36-26.
The men’s basketball program has also experienced success in the past. In 2008, the Tigers made the national championship game, losing to the Kansas Jayhawks, 75-68, in overtime.
With Memphis now off the table, there are still several Group of Five programs that could be a potential expansion school for the Big 12. As for who could be a potential candidate, it is truly anyone’s guest. Schools like Boise State (who is set to join the Pac-12 in 2026), Tulane, and Appalachian State have all proven to be competitive with Power Four competition. Pac-12 programs Oregon State and Washington State could also be considered candidates if the Big 12 wants to expand their footprint across the West Coast.
There is no timeline on if or when the Big 12 will make a decision on expansion. The league currently sits at 16 members.
Stay tuned to The Voice of Morgantown as we will bring you updates on the situation moving forward.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
