FOX Sports analyst Tim Brando believes the Big 12 Conference will have a highly competitive season and could be a major player in college football.
With the college football landscape shifting dramatically due to conference realignment, FOX Sports analyst Tim Brando is predicting a banner year for the Big 12 Conference.
Starting July 1, the Big 12 underwent significant expansion, adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah to its fold. This marks just the beginning of a potential realignment wave, with rumors of Florida State and Clemson considering a move to the Big 12.
Tim Brando Predicts Banner Year for Big 12 Conference
"That's why Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has been working so hard to get additional revenue," Brando said on OutKick's "Hot Mic." "They want Big Ten, SEC-ish money..."
Brando believes that the Big 12's efforts to increase revenue, including private equity and selling conference naming rights, are aimed at making the league more attractive to top programs like Clemson and Florida State.
Tim Brando Predicts Banner Year for Big 12 Conference
However, a potential move for those teams would also require overcoming legal hurdles related to their existing contracts.
"They've also got the litigation to overcome, and that'll take some time too," Brando noted.
Tim Brando Predicts Banner Year for Big 12 Conference
Despite these potential obstacles, Brando is optimistic about the Big 12's prospects both on and off the field.
"Top to bottom, bottom to top, it's gonna be the most competitive league in America," Brando asserted. "I think there's a very good chance they could have multiple 11-1, 10-2-type teams because of the way their scheduling works this year..."
Tim Brando Predicts Banner Year for Big 12 Conference
Brando believes the top of the Big 12 is particularly strong, with teams like Texas, Oklahoma, and Baylor poised to challenge for the national championship.
"I'm high on the Big 12 this year, very high," Brando emphasized.
If the Big 12 can achieve a high level of success on the field, it could further entice Florida State and Clemson to join the conference.
"I think the top is really, really good," Brando said. "And I think financially, if they can bolster the circumstances for Florida State and Clemson, then they might force the ACC, not just those two schools, but the rest of the ACC to think about joining forces so they can sweeten their financial pocket."
Four Big 12 schools have reached the College Football Playoff, with TCU being the only one to win a game in the semifinals. With the expanded conference and a competitive schedule, Brando believes the Big 12 is poised for even greater success.
"It's gotta be the best year the Big 12 has had in a long time," Brando concluded. "They've got some quality players coming in, some quality coaches coming in."
