College football expansion: Colorado could move to Big 12 "soon," per report
There has been no shortage of rumors about the next possible move on the college football expansion and conference realignment front, and once again a Pac-12 team is being floated as a candidate for moving to the Big 12. Now it's Colorado, which is seen as the team most likely to make a move, according to a new report.
Despite having said it wants to stay in the Pac-12 going forward, Colorado is now "ready to commit to joining the Big 12 soon," according to a person from inside the conference who spoke with Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.
Colorado has been connected to the Big 12 several times during the offseason amid the realignment rumors, but the school's chancellor and athletic director have both stated publicly that they are committed members of the Pac-12.
CU chancellor Phil DiStefano and athletic director Rick George have both gone public with statements directly refuting rumors that the school was contemplating a move.
Related: Colorado responds to Big 12 rumors | And the other rumors
Where the Pac-12 is right now
Those messages of support come as the Pac-12 is still looking to find a media deal that its member schools will accept, and, although there have been no announcements on that front, reports indicate a deal could be in place by summer.
But all eyes are on what kind of money the Pac-12 can get for its schools from that new deal, otherwise the league's members could more seriously court offers from rival conferences — in particular Oregon and Washington, both of which have reportedly spoken informally with the Big Ten, plus the Big 12's continued interest in the Arizona schools and potentially Utah — and insiders have hinted that we could potentially see the Pac-12 collapse outright if the league is unable to satisfy its members.
Related: Deion Sanders' boss reacts after Colorado roster purge
All eyes are on the Pac-12 to get a new media deal that will pay enough for its members, otherwise some schools could get the idea that their future lies elsewhere.
More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | All Teams
Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Facebook