Stanford predicted to be overlooked by Big Ten, remain in future Pac-12
While the disbanding of the Pac-12 isn't as likely as it once was, there is still a belief that programs within the conference and other conferences around the country will touch base at some point.
CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd recently wrote about what would happen to each of the remaining 10 Pac-12 schools, explaining that they will likely swing and miss on the desired $400 million annually, $40 million per school deal they had hoped for. It doesn't help that the Pac-12 likely waited far too long to make an actual deal, and are now in a do-or-die situation.
Dodd went on to explain why the conference could eventually break up even more saying:
Basically, the current members would get nervous enough over a lack of value coming back to them in a media rights deal in conjunction with dissipating exposure and perceived prominence for their universities and athletic programs.
He provided where each program would go, as the four corner schools of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah would end up in the Big 12 while Oregon and Washington would end up in the Big Ten. However, if you are doing math while reading this you know that four schools are left unaccounted for.
Dodd went on to explain that Stanford, Cal, Oregon State, and Washington State will all be overlooked and remain in what would be a Pac-4 with hopes of expanding to a larger number saying:
Out of that upheaval emerges a conference of leftovers. Think of a Pac-12 -- or whatever it is called by then -- attempting to forge ahead with its four remaining schools (Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington State) while filling the rest of the conference with Mountain West programs. (It could also go the other direction.)
A conference that would surely make the Power 5 a Power 4, and likely end up killing the Pac-12 all together. As it pertains to Stanford, Dodd explained the interest just wouldn't be there this time around saying:
It is known outgoing Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren wanted further conference expansion seeking to add those two schools as well as Stanford and California. There was much pushback from Big Ten presidents and athletic directors, but with the Pac-12 potentially decided its own fate, the Big Ten wouldn't be perceived as breaking up the league this time around, avoiding a possible costly legal challenge. (This time, however, the Big Ten would likely want no part of Stanford and Cal.)
If the Big Ten is truly out on Stanford, this means their next best bet is to manufacture their way into the Big 12, or see how useful that partnership with the ACC was. Either way, Stanford is likely making moves behind closed doors to ensure that they are taken care of. It is an athletic department that dominates in practically every sport, and is one of the best institutions in the country, there will be a spot for Stanford somewhere.
