Maryland AD - BIG with 20 teams by 2030
96 Replies
11mo
The B10 wants AAU schools. UNC and UVa are wanted by both the SEC and the B10. He also said Utah. If I remember correctly, McMurphy previously reported the SEC didn’t want FSU.
Then:
UNC and UVa to the SEC
Miami and Utah to the B10.
This may mean FSU and Clemson, two non AAU schools that filed a lawsuit against the ACC to get out, may possibly end up staying.
Kind of a crazy scenario, isn’t it?
(In response to this post by Athens)
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Stech
11mo
to get into the P2. I know that hurts some Hokies, but we don’t have the time to kid ourselves.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
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saret
11mo
to be used as a conduit of misinformation? Again, it's all part of the ESPN/Fox/SEC/B1G grift.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
11mo
If anything, he is leaning pro B12.
(In response to this post by saret)
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saret
11mo
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
11mo
attractive BigXII AAU school expansion candidate. They might be the most disgruntled though.
I'd take Arizona State, Colorado, and Arizona in that order, over the Utes WADR.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
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VPI 1924
11mo
Tucson is a first class **** hole and Phoenix not far behind. I live in Arizona. I know.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
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EDGEMAN
11mo
I've hit 6 or 7 different resorts around that area.
(In response to this post by VPI 1924)
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saret
11mo
The grift continues, even within.
(In response to this post by Athens)
11mo
(In response to this post by Athens)
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Vippie1
11mo
I think it is a no brainer that if the B1G can poach just two schools it is UNC and UVa.
I've said for a decade now VT safest strategy is to try and tie itself to UNC and UVa - through political pressure or other means. Of course the B1G and SEC prefer to divide and conquer. We need to throw obstacles at that wherever possible. Unfortunately I dont have a lot of faith anymore that it will be successful.
But I see UNC/UVa to the B1G as the worse outcome for VT.
(In response to this post by manassashoo)
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Stech
11mo
is best for Virginia Tech. I still hope Virginia and Virginia Tech end up in same P2 Conference.
(In response to this post by Vippie1)
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Stech
11mo
they have many alumni in the north, academically they fit better with the B1G schools, they would have a home for just about all if not all students Olympic Sports, they have a chance to win Conference Championships regularly in baseball, golf , softball etc. They could still play UNC in football and basketball, it will be a border conference rivalry game. It might even up the enthusiasm because of that.
(In response to this post by manassashoo)
11mo
the conference. NW is smaller, I believe, but that's pretty much it. They feel more like an Ole Miss than any Big Ten school, and I don't think they really fit the SEC.
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
I think VT is a better choice for the SEC and B1G than UVa.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
for VT is for the B1G to take UVa causing the SEC to take VT.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
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Stech
11mo
that vote for these expansions, consider a lot more. Even the SEC is telling the media that the University Presidents like UVA’s academics. I am not saying the Presidents are right on this, but it’s been reported numerous times, from ESPN and other media people. I just hope we can go with them, so the Conference has a football first school and a basketball first school from the state of Virginia, similar to Michigan and Michigan State. It would be great to keep playing them regularly in the Olympic Sports too.
** Edited by Stech at 8/29/2025, 9:26:17 AM
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
There is no real reason for the Big Ten to covet UVA. They don't bring any money at all to the table for sports. The Big Ten certainly isn't taking two schools in VA. A good chance they don't take any.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
worth us arguing over, you are not going to change your mind, and neither am I. In the meantime, I hope UVA helps us again, it’s by far the best thing for the state of Virginia. Recent expansions have been in pairs. USC-w UCLA, Texas Oklahoma, Oregon Washington were all in pairs. USC gave the B1G LA in football, they didn’t need UCLA. Texas was the big prize in the SEC expansion because of their following, Oregon brought Nike in, they didn’t need Washington.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
consideration. I look no farther than the most recent round of expansion. If it were about academics, why would they have passed over Stanford? The academics are top-notch and the overall athletic program is strong.
I do think it is unlikely that a non-AAU member will be pursued, but that is the only extent to which academics will be involved.
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
UVA athletics or fanbase fits. They don't bring any real eyes to the TV.
FWIW, I don't think VT really adds much either. I only see either or both getting an invite if everything in college sports goes sideways, and there are only one or two conferences.
(In response to this post by HokieEngineer)
11mo
the "not currently in the big 2" conferences. The institutional profile fits in with the Big I Can't Count Conference: Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, USC (west), Washington, and Wisconsin are on VT's SCHEV peer list. Some of those are aspirational peers; others are on the mythical HokieEngineer thinks we're better than them list.
I'd also feel better if we had the 1995 - 2005 type of football performance.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
They also took SMU, who is only ahead of Louisville in the US News rankings.
The Big Ten took Nebraska when they knew AAU status was going to be lost. Oregon is outside the top 100 of academics in US News. Only Nebraska is lower in the Big Ten. The presidents and conferences will use "academics" when it suits them. But if it was about academics, the Big Ten takes Cal or Stanford. Maybe both ahead of Oregon. That's not to say Oregon is a bad school. But they aren't there for academics. And academics is the -only- argument for UVa to the Big Ten. The thought of academics truly being a factor is a farce.
** Edited by reestuart at 8/29/2025, 10:13:56 AM
** Edited by reestuart at 8/29/2025, 10:46:55 AM
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
go to the Big 12, the three since were good to great academic schools. The ones before it were top academic schools. The ESPN media people including the mouth of the Southeast Conference Paul Finebaum has said it repeatedly, Ross Dellenger at Yahoo Sports considered by many at ESPN the most knowledgeable on college sports, has said it. However, you think you know more than they do, got it, time will tell if you were more knowledgeable than them on this, but until something changes, I will believe them over you.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
and Cal, which are both world class universities. It is not about academics. Nobody is truly on the inside. If those guys are talking, they are being fed info to more likely deflect. Nebraska was out of nowhere. Same with USC/UCLA. OU and Texas both...out of nowhere. Again. Nobody that is talking knows anything.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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2hhoop3
11mo
are oblivious to these matters and take their cues from the supposed experts if forced to vote. Sands is a perfect example, mostly clueless to the fire in his own house until forced to confront it. Even that wasn't enough with the first round of FEF and he only really paid attention when later forced to as the D-1 chair.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
Academic credentials, and they brag about it repeatedly. The SEC is new to this approach, it’s because of schools like Texas and Texas A&M, Missouri are giving Vanderbilt, Georgia and Florida more influence on this topic.
I am not saying it’s the right thing to do, but it is what the P2 are doing now, and it’s been reported by people that have the relationships to know.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
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saret
11mo
Md's getting played in the grift just like us, the rest of the ACC and Big12, and everyone else on the outside looking in. Fox/B1G/ESPN/SEC keep dangling the possibility of being invited in (and it will take an invite) to get everyone to play nice with them and make concessions to strengthen their monopoly when they are ready to proceed. It's a con. It's a grift. When the aforementioned conglomerate fully takes over, they will be cutting schools (Vanderbilt, Md, Rutgers, Northwestern, etc.) so the slices remaining will be bigger. This is about power and money. Nothing more, nothing less.
And, when they make their move, they'll point back at the history of concessions they've been given and say, "Well, you went along with it, so what's your *****?
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
talking about his contacts at the Athletic where he worked. I don't want Virginia in and Virginia Tech to be left out. I am hoping Virginia gets in and they help us get there too. That's what is by far what is best for the state of Virginia.
(In response to this post by saret)
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saret
11mo
imho, none of it is going to happen. I think, with no offense intended, that Dellenger and Andy are being fed misinformation, and they're just reporting it,...which is their job. I'll stick by my prognostication. If it turns out I'm wrong, remind me. If it turns out I'm right, I won't say I told you so.
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
working behind the scenes, despite what people think, and only a handful of people know what the future will hold. Commissioners, highest of high ranking tv executives, and that's about it. The schools themselves likely don't know much of anything.
(In response to this post by saret)
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saret
11mo
they were told.
(In response to this post by reestuart)
11mo
Which was misinformation.
(In response to this post by saret)
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RJHokie
11mo
both men and women……
(In response to this post by NokieHokie)
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2hhoop3
11mo
so fixated on a point, again, that you lose sight of realities. You reference sources and outlets that have "relationships to know" all the while ignoring possible motives for saying something that has little or no relevance to the actual situation. Sports and conference expansion is about the business of sports first and foremost. Academics is at best much further down the list, if actually on the list at all.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
and when Andy Bitter mentioned UNC and UVA, I took him on because I didn’t want Virginia Tech left out. Since then sources from the SEC and B1G have been saying it repeatedly. I get why you guys don’t want to see it, I don’t want to see it either. However, it’s been said numerous times, but if someone doesn’t want to see it, they won’t. I’m done with this topic for a while. Have a great weekend!!🌞
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
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2hhoop3
11mo
to do with not wanting to see anything. My point was and still is that relying on what is said or reported without fully and objectively considering the sources and the possible motivations can potentially lead to incomplete and/or erroneous conclusions. The mouth of the south is exactly that, a mouthpiece. Dellenger has more credibility, however, the fast moving digital age has created a far greater chance for circular reasoning and logic than existed in earlier times.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
that shook me the most was Andy Bitter telling us about his contacts at the Athletic. Maybe they are just trying to get clicks too, but I highly doubt it. UVA is consistently mentioned with UNC at the top of the list. Neither has much to brag about when it comes to football, but it has been repeatedly mentioned that Academics is an important part as to why UVA and UNC are on the list. I am hoping they expand enough to take both Virginia and Virginia Tech. I live in Virginia and I have close ties to both of them and just about all the state schools in Virginia too. I want the whole state to prosper, not just Charlottesville.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
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2hhoop3
11mo
about a basement podcast crew or critical of Andy or his colleagues at the Athletic. However, you jumped right over the parts about fully and objectively considering the sources and possible motivations and the possibility that rapidly spreading info can create circular reasoning and logic. You're doing exactly what you accuse others of in this thread of doing because you don't want to see another point. We'll just have to see how things work out.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
Academics with the AAU, and how important it is in Random Asian Guy’s post.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
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saret
11mo
some are willful. If they have ties to ESPN or Fox, they're probably willful shills.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
College Football. I don't like much of it, but some people think I do because I am reporting what I am hearing. They are in the shoot the messenger mentality right now, but we have to understand that this is coming from multiple sources, we need to understand that.
(In response to this post by saret)
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2hhoop3
11mo
who was done with this topic several posts back you seem intent on continuing to tilt at yet another windmill. I don't believe your point, and just like others, have told you why. You have a nice holiday weekend.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
passive aggressive insult once again. Please just answer the question, who was it that you were referring to that doesn't know what they are talking about, if it wasn't the basement podcasters? I don't want to argue with you, I want to understand where you are coming from on this topic.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
11mo
I just hope VT has not been sitting on their collective arses doing nothing. Which many can see happening. Never proactive in past. Let's hope.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
Where does he or she come from?
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)
11mo
Ben 'Cooter' Jones as its next president."--probably SEC.
"The University of Virginia is proud to announce Bo Schembechler's corpse as its next president."---Big 10 bound
** Edited by mancunian at 8/29/2025, 12:06:27 PM
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
(In response to this post by mancunian)
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HOO86
11mo
And UNC has the same two. Men's Lacrosse and Women's Field Hockey and Rowing. Two would fit in the Big East, but don't know where Rowing would have to go. But you are correct in that everything would be able to go the Big Ten. UNC has the same three plus Fencing.
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
It became a conference sport when OK and TX joined last August.
Link:
SEC Rowing
(In response to this post by HOO86)
11mo
Champ this year.
Link:
Vols Rowing
(In response to this post by HOO86)
11mo
Seems like the SEC schools have their non-sponsored teams compete in the Big XII, like wrestling and rowing.
(In response to this post by HOO86)
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MVIII
11mo
This could get wild real quick. I am not sure if we should work to block UVA from moving to the Big Ten or SEC but work hard to get an invite to the opposite one. It seems like they both want into the NC and VT markets. I doubt it happens but is there any scenario where Clemson and FSU get left out and the likes of UVA, VT, GT, UNC, NC ST get in somewhere first?
(In response to this post by manassashoo)
11mo
Prehaps I take an optomistic position, that is Big 10 want VT and UVA BUT for VT the big concern is its financing of hte program. THey dont want a program that takes but dont invests. This maybe is why Whit went to the board.... on this. If VT demonstrates transformation to a 200 million program in 2 years and wins,. It will be ok.
THis is going to be tricky for VT, involving messaging and getting many of he parties within Burress Hall, BOV and others on the same wavelength. and for VT alumni and fans they cannot eat themselves alive and go after Whit Pry horrifically. VT culture has to change.... can VT do it??? we
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
for a VT it is worrisome.
(In response to this post by 1947Sunbowl)
11mo
of course, I could be looking at this through an outdated market based prism; honestly, who the hell knows?
(In response to this post by MVIII)
11mo
The winning gets viewers and builds the VT brand. The AAU gives us options since it is still a BIG consideration.
We also need a new AD to push behind the scenes.
If we can get two of those things done then we have a chance (regardless of what UVA does). If we get all three, then we are in a solid position. If we only get one or none of those done, then we are cooked (regardless of what UVA does).
(In response to this post by MVIII)
11mo
the schools have negotiating leverage to add other schools, like VT and NCSU.
Try to get UVA and VT to the same conference. If one conference is willing to accept that but the other isn’t, then go to the one that is. If neither are willing to accept that, then have UVA go to the one that is least likely to invite VT as a stand alone. Same thing for UNC and NCSU.
(In response to this post by MVIII)
11mo
Sounds more like proactive propaganda by someone who does not want to get left out of the next reshuffling, when the Big Ten and SEC themselves close up shop in favor of a Super League.
(In response to this post by Athens)
11mo
doubt that an athletic director of a BIG school has inside info on BIG's expansion plans. And BIG/SEC will expand before they contract.
(In response to this post by Tailgate Guru)
11mo
He basically laid out the judging criteria.
Everyone has 3-5 years to show:
- football brand value for tv
- football value on the field
- broader athletics quality and results
- school quality (AAU or close)
I think location will likely be a partial factor but is secondary. And ability to fund a move or willingness to take a reduced share may also help.
It’s now every school for themselves. If VT wants that as a choice, then we should push hard to schedule more BIG teams as an audition.
(In response to this post by Athens)
11mo
a year? That is what the BIG is projected to make give or take, and I'm pretty sure that no conference will add any schools that dilute their payouts. I just do not see where the UVA football, brand, or market has that kind of sway.
(In response to this post by Sunsetunderground)
11mo
like they did when they shot the Pac 12 in the face and snatched up Washington and Oregon.
The mid Atlantic is virgin territory for both the SEC and Big 10; what's that worth I have no idea.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
If the state of Virginia can be flipped to Fox, they will pay for it.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
up for negotiation at the end of their terms.
Remember, ESPN bid on BIG content in the last round of negotiations, and there is no guarantee that the media partners of today, will be the media partners of tomorrow. A lot hinges on what the conference networks are worth going into the next round of negotiations. Could a conference make more by selling that content to another media company? Could the BIG evolve to more of an NFL type of media contracts, with multiple networks and streaming?
If the ESPN and FOX streaming services take off, and the traditional cable business model continues to decrease, these rights negotiations will get very interesting. Currently, the B12 has 5 media companies with their content. The nPAC has two. Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and others are watching, and live content is scarce.
(In response to this post by Sunsetunderground)
11mo
The BIG to expand South and the SEC to open new states and keep the BIG out of their footprint. Short term per school payouts may drop, but long term they will most likely increase. I don't think football brand will have much impact on future expansion, as Notre Dame is the only football brand that would move the needle on increased payouts.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
I think UVA football is holding them back. Many other criteria are checked by them though so they are on the radar. But I think UVA is definitely behind UNC, FSU and Clemson for various reasons. Football is still the main driver for expansion and money.
It probably a list of no more than 10-15 schools that are being vetted at this point by BIG (and likely SEC as well).
(In response to this post by manassashoo)
11mo
BIG. The athletic departments will expand based on money.
The University Presidents are a different story. Again, look at where the deep pocket alumni live. I'm not talking about just athletic donors, as the others dwarf them with the amounts of money donated.
(In response to this post by manassashoo)
11mo
Who do you have coming that is AAU?
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
all been vetted by the BIG, and i don't think any of those AAU Universities will end up in the BIG.
Look at where the Ohio State and Michigan Alumni live. The already have California in their pocket. The big dollar donors of the Midwest schools have property in Florida and Arizona. I also would not discount Texas A&M. Many do not understand just how toxic Texas is, and the BIG getting recruiting in Florida and Texas would solidify them as the top conference in regards to media dollars.
(In response to this post by Sunsetunderground)
11mo
Big untapped markets in Phoenix and Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
programs. The ASU/Arizona pair brigs the entire Arizona market. it would be difficult to separate ASU from Arizona mostly because they are a perfect travel pair for non revs.
Out in the East, the distances are not nearly as much of a concern, but West of the Mississippi, travel partners matter. The 4 California schools are a perfect example. USC made much more sense with a partner, and so did Stanford.
As far as national football brands, it's a coinflip. Neither ASU or Utah have the pedigree of a blue blood, and if you look at the SEC and the BIG, it was the blue blood status that prompted those moves.
Who are the national brands left in the B12 or ACC? The ACC have a few, and the B12 is filled with potential, but none that stand above the rest nationally. Not in football anyway.
(In response to this post by Tailgate Guru)
11mo
over basketball. *TIC*
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
11mo
Colorado, Utah, maybe Cal, maybe Stanford, and maybe Arizona would all be in the mix. It would get the "West" up to 6 schools assuming the Big Ten wants to expand to 24 teams and create 4 divisions of 6 for scheduling purposes (all sports or non-football sports).
(In response to this post by Athens)
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Stech
11mo
They are back to a more competitive relationship with them, being hung out to dry over 8 or 14 Automatic Invites for being in the P2, has not been good for their relationship with the SEC IMHO. So I think they are back to competing for teams again.
(In response to this post by VTHokie2000)
11mo
(In response to this post by Stech)
11mo
southeast. Particularly if they are looking for ways to reduce the travel burden for the 4 west coast schools in the non-revenue sports. That isn't to say the Big Ten won't look in that direction at some point. It may wait until enough schools become available to where they could form a southeast division.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Hokie83
11mo
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
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Stech
11mo
but the B1G does like NFL markets a lot. I guess because they can advertise for the NFL the next day. It sure isn’t because they take over the TV’s in Georgia, UGA owns college football in Georgia, and beyond.
** Edited by Stech at 8/28/2025, 8:56:52 AM
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
11mo
UVA and UNC were also coming. Maybe even at VT. I think the Big goes to 24. There is a reason VT finally getting off duff with finances. They have been approached or seeing they need to be approachable.
(In response to this post by Stech)
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Stech
11mo
are likely back to competing instead of cooperating. They would love to be in southern part of the East Coast. The B1G ACC games have been entertaining games for the most part.
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)
11mo
that they need to align their athletic spending with the top of the ACC if they want to be considered as an expansion target. Kind of a “show me the money” situation: prove you’re worthy and fully invested by committing resources to the cause.
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)
11mo
VT acknowledges it needs to do something to improve its situation and does not implement any meaningful changes to achieve the desire goal(s). If the current leadership doesn't have a plan or even know what steps need to be taken to achieve a specific goal, then it needs to hire someone in a decision maker role who can make those tough decisions. If a knowledgeable person make a decision and it doesn't go the way they thought, then I can at least live with the attempt because it isn't maintaining the status quo.
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)