Big 12 deputy commissioner Tim Weiser had plenty to say with Longhorns' upcoming exit from league

"They would rather get beat by Alabama than Kansas State."

In a candid interview during the Big 12 Media Days, Tim Weiser, the Deputy Commissioner of the Big 12, provided intriguing revelations about Texas' decision to join the SEC next season. Drawing on his extensive experience as the former athletic director of Kansas State, Weiser shed light on the motivations behind Texas' move and shared valuable insights on Oklahoma's involvement. Let's delve into the fascinating details uncovered during this conversation.

Texas' Motivation Beyond Finances: When asked about Texas' departure from the conference, Weiser dismissed the notion that financial gains were the driving force. Recognizing the wealth of resources at Texas' disposal, he emphasized, "The choice Texas made wasn't a financial one because we all know what the Texas resources are like." Instead, Weiser pointed to a different motivation—a desire to affiliate with a cluster of schools where Texas would prefer to face formidable opponents on any given Saturday. "They would rather get beat by Alabama than Kansas State or Florida than Iowa State," he revealed, suggesting that the appeal of competing against top-tier programs may have influenced their decision.

Insights into Oklahoma's Role: Weiser also shared intriguing observations regarding Oklahoma's involvement, describing them as a "reluctant bride." It seemed that the potential consequences of not joining the SEC weighed heavily on the university. Weiser highlighted the importance of longstanding events like the OU-Texas football or basketball games, indicating that the fear of losing these cherished traditions may have factored into their decision-making process. Reflecting on the long-term implications, he added, "If I were in Oklahoma's position, it would've been hard for me not to consider the future."

An Early Exit and the Changing Face of the Big 12: Originally slated for 2025, Texas and Oklahoma negotiated an early exit agreement with the Big 12. Consequently, they will bid farewell to the conference on July 1, 2024, having paid a combined $100 million in withdrawal fees to join the SEC a full season ahead. Simultaneously, the Big 12 is undergoing a transformation by welcoming new members in 2023, namely BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. This temporary expansion injects fresh energy into the conference's dynamics for a single season.

Conclusion: Through Tim Weiser's revealing insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving Texas and Oklahoma's departure from the Big 12. While financial considerations played a minor role, the allure of facing formidable opponents and preserving cherished traditions appear to have played a more significant part in their decisions. As the Big 12 undergoes these transformative changes, the inclusion of new members adds an exciting chapter to the conference's narrative.

How do you feel about the move?

• Love it!
• Should have left well enough alone....