Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman is reporting that the Big 12 Conference is no longer interested in Brigham Young University as a possible entrant into the conference. That report stands in contrast to popular opinion just a few weeks ago that the BYU Cougars would bring a good football/basketball identity to help replace the departing schools like Texas A&M and now possibly Missouri.
Specifically Bohls wrote via Twitter, "Hear the Big 12 backed off BYU, spoke of BYU’s “different culture,” whatever that means." That different culture could speak to the obvious religious differences of the Mormon school, but BYU has also vied for its own independence and definitely brings a different flavor to the conference. That’s part of the allure in some eyes, but perhaps it’s not enough.
Certainly one report doesn’t make or break a tie, but BYU is one of the most intriguing options being looked at. We’ll keep you posted when more information comes in.