Big 12 Expansion Rumors: Florida State Admired, Not Pursued, By Big 12 Officials

The words coming from various associates of Florida State University have resulted in a mixed response of any rumors that the current ACC member might have a potential interest in transferring athletic conference membership to the Big 12. President Eric Barron has stated the utmost confidence in the ACC. That came on the heels of Andy Haggard, from the Florida State Board of Trustees, who said FSU should explore life outside of the ACC. It's easy to understand the confusion and believe there's a fire behind that smoke.

But until now, there's been no response from the BIg 12 except statements from DeLoss Dodds that there's been no official discussions. Both sides are saying that much and the rumors have died down a bit in recent weeks. After all, it's pointless to talk about expansion when the Big 12 might not even want to increase from 10.

But Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis recently spoke highly of Florida State from the Big 12 meetings to Jim Lamar and commented on the rumors.

"As a Big 12 member, I'm flattered that a school the quality of Florida State is interested," Hargis told Jim Lamar. "I think it's another indicator of where this conference is. But in terms of any school, including that school, there are no discussions going on between the conference and any school about expansion."

For now there's no movement likely anytime soon and it will all hinge on how the ultimate deciding factor for a football national champion will play out. Depending on those moves at the greater NCAA level concerning bowl games and a playoff system, conferences will then either stay the same or begin to shift in power to adjust to the new postseason structure in college football. For now it's all rumors and will stay that way for some time.

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