Promotion/Relegation isn't in the American culture though. If it was, then
MLS would already be doing it now. If anything, I would think the elite schools will want to keep this league exclusive in order to drive up its value. Otherwise, there is a risk that a school like JMU could end up crashing the party and potentially de-value the product while JMU collects that phat check. Plus, there is no guarantee that a promoted school will meet all the minimum requirements associated with the league. Beside, if the college football is truly going to include a promotion/relegation system, then it probably should include DI-FBS, DI-FCS, DII, and DIII schools. FWIW the English Football League System has 21 tiers.
Another reason the Big XII may be doing its expansion in phase is the conference is waiting to see if there are any changes to the rule. For example, if conferences no longer have to have divisions and play a round robin schedule (if a conference with more than 12 teams eliminates the divisions), then it gives the Big XII more on which schools to include on its target list. However, if the conferences with 12+ members still must divide up into 2 divisions and play a round robin division schedule or play a round robin conference schedule (if there are no divisions), then the target list may be much smaller even if the Big XII decides to incorporate rotating pods/quads.
Now what could be interesting to see play out is if the Pac-12 decides to add Boise State and UNLV to become the Pac-14 in an effort to try to block the Big XII from expanding into the Pac-12's territory. Boise State could be placed in the North Division and UNLV in the South Division to allow the Pac-14 to continue along without missing a beat. If that were to happen, the Big XII may decide to not expand west beyond BYU because Nevada and the remaining CA schools are not as desirable since UNLV is no longer an option. FWIW Boise State and Memphis appear to be the leading candidate if the Big XII implement Phase 2 of its expansion plan. At least what is written at the end of the article is giving people the impression the Big XII isn't done. If the Big XII expands to 14, then it may opt to implement Phase 3 especially if UNLV, San Diego St, maybe South Florida, etc. are still available.
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Posted: 04/13/2022 at 2:11PM