While Missouri's intentions on leaving the Big 12 for the SEC aren't completely known, its oldest rival and Big 12 neighbor Kansas is very public about the potential of losing their rival school.
Jayhawks athletic director Sheahon Zenger issued a statement late Tuesday that pledged KU's support to the Big 12, and its appreciation for Mizzou as an in-conference rival.
"We value our long-standing conference rivalry with Missouri," Zenger said. "We believe the Midwest deserves a strong conference for student-athletes, fans and alumni, and it is our desire that Missouri will stay committed — as Kansas is — to the Big 12 Conference."
Leaving Tuesday's meeting in Columbia, Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton was authorized by the school's board of curators to handle the university's conference alignment on Tuesday. In addition Deaton stepped down as the chair of the Big 12's board of directors, allowing no conflict of interest in pursuing options for Missouri outside of the Big 12.