Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Cal, Stanford Reportedly Want To Join Big 12 If ACC Talks Stall

  • A new report suggests Cal and Stanford have explored joining the Big 12.
  • Talks with the ACC have been slowed down by some schools opposed to expansion.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The 2023 college football season begins in earnest this week but two of the remaining four Pac-12 teams are putting all their focus on finding a home for 2024.

Stanford and California have been linked to potential ACC expansion, but progress has been slow. Now, the two schools may be thinking about finding a way into the Big 12, too.

According to a recent report in the San Francisco Chronicle, Cal and Stanford have already begun exploring the possibility of joining the Big 12 in the event that joining the ACC doesn’t work out. It is unclear what steps the schools have taken in relation to a potential Big 12 move.

Despite the reported new efforts, the Big 12 may not even be interested in the two universities. The Action Network reported the conference has not had conversations with any of the remaining Pac-12 schools and has no intention in engaging with those schools.

Earlier this month, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yorkmark said the conference was done expanding “right now” and was happy to have 16 teams for the 2024 season.

Taking The Blame

Arizona State — one of four Pac-12 schools joining the Big 12 next year — issued a self-imposed one-year bowl ban amid an NCAA investigation for possible infractions incurred under former head football coach Herm Edwards.

ASU finished 10th in the Pac-12 last season, with a 3-9 overall record. The Sun Devils made three bowl games under Edwards from 2018-21.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium

James Madison Joins the American Before Sun Belt Exit Fees Rise

JMU’s move beats a pending vote on higher Sun Belt exit fees.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/14/26 – Live From FOS’s Tuned In: Chris Berman on NFL’s 18-Game Push, Pablo Torre Says He’s Investigating LeBron’s Chopper, and More

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
October 13, 2026

Ohio Gov. Issues Executive Order Challenging NCAA Eligibility Policy

The EO may not have teeth, but it could still impact eligibility.
Oct 10, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Zach Grace (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with offensive lineman Aliou Bah (55) and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.
October 14, 2026

SEC Accuses LSU of ‘Stubborn Refusal’ to Follow Rules

The conference argued the lawsuit against LSU is still relevant.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 13, 2026

Josh Pate, John Fanta Blast CFP Expansion: ‘Why Stop at 24?’

The deadline for College Football Playoff expansion in 2027 is Dec. 1, 2026.
October 12, 2026

Kentucky Will Pay LSU $500K SEC Field-Storming Fine

The SEC changed its fine policy ahead of the 2025 football season.
October 10, 2026

Belichick, UNC Score Biggest Win Yet After Rocky Offseason

Belichick’s revamped UNC roster is beginning to show signs of progress.
Marina Williams-Walter Cronkite Sports Network
October 10, 2026

ASU Hockey Home Opener Marred by Player Collapse Fallout

ASU’s hockey home opener featured more absences amid an ongoing investigation.