OSU officials offer statements on Big 12 expansion decision

Friday, September 10, 2021

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

Friday, the Big 12 Conference voted to add Brigham Young University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Central Florida and the University of Houston. Officials from Oklahoma State University shared their thoughts.

President Kayse Shrum

This morning, I joined my fellow Big 12 university presidents to accept applications for membership into the Big 12 athletic conference from four respected universities with impressive athletic traditions. The application process represents the first in a series of steps to expand the conference and ensure we continue to compete at the highest level of competition for national championships in all women’s and men’s sports. I am enthusiastic about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics and welcome Brigham Young University, University of Central Florida, University of Houston, and the University of Cincinnati. The new Big 12 creates an impressive geographical footprint, and I appreciate the persistence, cooperation, and collaboration among my Big 12 colleagues and the Big 12 Conference office. In this process, I have talked with many presidents, athletic directors and college sports leaders across the country. I enjoyed the support and valued the advice. We have made many new friends, and I look forward to building these relationships. The leadership of our athletic director, Chad Weiberg, has been invaluable on many fronts. I am proud to work alongside Chad as we are both passionate about our alma mater, our state’s land-grant university, Oklahoma State.

Athletic Director Chad Weiberg

The Big 12 will remain a nationally strong league that will continue to provide current and future OSU student athletes the opportunity to compete for championships at the highest level.

Cowboy football coach Mike Gundy

The Big 12 Conference has been among the best football leagues in the country for the past 25 years. The addition of these four programs will allow us to introduce our brand of football to fans in new locations. I welcome the new conference members, and look forward to competing against them while maintaining competition with our long-standing league members. We have the best of both worlds.

Cowboy basketball coach Mike Boynton

I look forward to the future of Big 12 Basketball. I’m thankful for the leadership within the conference for working diligently over the last few months to position the conference for future success. While our league has been the most competitive from top to bottom during my four years as head coach, adding UCF, Houston, BYU, and Cincinnati will enhance that competitiveness even more. I have great respect for each school and know the success that they’ve all had on a national level.