Stanford's remaining options following the ACC likely passing on adding them and Cal

Stanford and Cal are headed back to the drawing board

While it didn't make the most sense that the ACC was considering adding two programs that were 2,300 miles away from the closest member of the conference, there was in fact momentum behind Stanford and Cal to the ACC. 

However, following a meeting on Wednesday night it was revealed that the two schools had just 10 of the 12 needed supporters in order to join the conference. On top of that, reports also indicated that they would not have any time to swing those votes either as the belief is now that the ACC is moving on from expansion. 

While Stanford head coach Troy Taylor expressed confidence on Tuesday that they'd end up in a Power 5 conference, their options are now dwindling. Just five days ago I wrote about their four possible options, it now appears that list has been cut down to three. 

Here are the three options that I think make the most sense for Stanford following the news that they are likely not getting the invite to the ACC. 

Mountain West Merger

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The Mountain West was once viewed as a feeding ground for the Pac-12, and now it may be their saving grace. They have a television deal with FOX and CBS Sports Network, through the 2025 season. Unfortunately for the Pac-12 schools, each Mountain West school gets $4 million a year compared to the around $30 million a year they got in the Pac-12. For Stanford who has been all about being in a conference that values academics as much as they do, this doesn't seem ideal or realistic but surely the Mountain West would take them. Despite the conference pledging their loyalty to one another, it may be time to dust off that potential Power 5 conference idea San Diego State had on Monday that took their best schools, the American's best, and combined them with the four Pac-12 schools. 

 

Independence

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An idea that has been floated out many times over the past few weeks for Stanford, it now appears to be on track to becoming a reality. Stanford has a big enough brand to do it and survive, but two issues arise. Who will they partner with to televise their games? And, what will happen to their non-football sports. They would likely have to be partnered with the Mountain West or the West Coast Conference, both of which would be downgrades.

Big Ten

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Until the Big Ten flat out says "no we will not be adding Stanford" this is by far the best option. Even coming in at a discounted rate would presumably pay them more than the Big 12, ACC, and whatever they could get anywhere else. Also, since USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington are already in the conference and Cal would likely be the other program to join Stanford, travel for non-football sports would make much more sense.