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You are here: Home / Sports / Columnists / Big 12 is WAC

Big 12 is WAC

August 31, 2011 by Edward Isaacs

The Big 12 Conference could be seeing a change in scenery soon.

According to sources, Texas A&M University president R. Bowen Loftin talked with Big 12 Conference board chairman Brady Deaton on Monday night about A&M leaving the conference.

A&M stated its desire to join the South Eastern Conference before this meeting.

Two weeks ago, SEC presidents and chancellors said they were happy with the current situation of the conference.

However, they are open to expansion in the future. A&M could forfeit at least $20 million if they leave the conference. The Big 12 saw a shake-up in July when the universities of Colorado and Nebraska both decided to depart for the Pacific-12 and Big Ten respectively.

If Texas A&M did decide to scramble to the SEC, they would join powerhouse teams such as the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and Louisiana State University. All these teams have won a national championship in the past ten years.

One reason for A&M’s desire to join the SEC could be because of the creation of The Longhorn Network for the University of Texas. The network is a 20-year, $300 million deal with ESPN and will just cover Longhorn athletics.

As a diehard Longhorn fan, I am saddened by the Aggies’ wish for a new conference, even if it is the infamous SEC. Texas A&M and Texas have a rich rivalry dating back to 1894.

Since that date, the two teams have played a staggering 110 times, and the games between the Aggies and Longhorns are always intense.

This move would destroy over 100 years of emotion, sweat, blood, and tears left behind by players like Vince Young, Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell, and Colt McCoy.

Not only would the move diminish the rivalry but Texas Tech University and Baylor also have a history against the Aggies.

For the sake of the Big 12 Conference and Texas fans alike, seeing A&M leave would definitely be a sad sight.

Filed Under: Columnists

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About Edward Isaacs

You are here: Home / Sports / Columnists / Big 12 is WAC

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The Optimist staff won several awards and competed at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association 2026 convention in Denton this weekend. Students participated in live contests and submitted work from the past year into the competition.Here are the results.- 1st place: Live print news writing, Ashley Henderson- 1st place: Live print sports writing, Roman Raffaeli- 2nd place: Live tv announcing, Zion Webb- 2nd place: Live news photo, Daniel Curd- 2nd place: Newscast, Optimist Staff- Honorable mention: Documentary (video), Makayla Clayton- 2nd place: Documentary, JMC documentary production class- 3rd place: General news, Callie Leverett- Honorable mention: General column, Zion Webb- Honorable mention: Sports reporting (video), Roman Raffaeli- Honorable mention: Live sports action photo, Daniel Curd- Honorable mention: General news video story, Ashley Henderson- Honorable mention: Photo illustrations (Daniel Curd & Optimist staffStudents also received awards for their work through KACU and ACUTV.- 1st place: In-depth news reporting (audio), Ashley Henderson- 1st place: General news audio story, Baylie Simon- 1st place: Live sports coverage (video), Roman Raffaeli & London Gray- 2nd place: Live sports coverage (video), Josiah Wonnell & Londyn Gray- 3rd place: General news audio story, Ashley Henderson- 2nd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Feature reporting (audio), Baylie Simon- Honorable Mention: Feature reporting (audio), Josiah Wonnell#acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentmedia #tipa2026 ... See MoreSee Less

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Sororities and fraternities began New Member Orientation with Bid Day, officially starting the pledging process this weekend.Originally scheduled for last week, the start was delayed due to winter weather that brought snow and ice to campus. Clubs and their sponsors gathered at designated locations on and off campus to complete tasks assigned by their officers.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #greeklife 📸: Daniel Curdacuoptimist.com/2026/02/gallery-clubs-begin-new-member-orientation-after-weather-delay/?fbclid=PA... ... See MoreSee Less

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