In my view, the top four have a marked advantage over the rest.

1. Texas - For obvious reasons. Strong athletic program. Strong academics. Ideal market. And you just have to hold your nose and tolerate the arrogance.

2. Oklahoma - The best football program that is not a part of the other P5 conferences. (Yes, that means OU is a better program than Texas.) Strong overall athletic program. Better academics than you think.

3. Kansas - First class basketball. AAU school, good academics. Ties to programs in the Big Ten (Nebraska), Pac 12 (Colorado) and SEC (Missouri). Pairs well with a bigger name, particularly for the Big Ten and Pac 12.

4. TCU - Located in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which is ideal for travel and recruiting. Awash in cash. Best port of entry into Texas for the Pac 12. Would be a logical further expansion into Texas for the SEC. Loads of potential.

5. Oklahoma State - Boone Pickens. Solid hoops program over time. Would partner with OU in any move to the Pac 12 or SEC (but not the Big Ten, IMHO).

6. West Virginia - Athletic program is as good or better than any listed below it. Proximate to the ACC and SEC and a logical fit in either. Strong fan following. Average academics. Television market is questioned, but draws an entire state and draws nationally better than any program listed below it. But difficult to overcome stereotypes.

7. Texas Tech. Would be last on the list but for the possibility that the Horns might protect and carry along another public institution. Average academics. Bad location in west Texas. Fits best in the Pac 12, but Texas does not want to go west.

8. Baylor - Small, private school with average academics. Religious affiliation makes a Pac 12 bid problematic. Brand new football facility. Weak and sometimes scandalous history in athletics. Other Texas programs are stronger candidates.

9. Iowa State - AAU, solid academics. Great fan following. Solid athletic program. Bad location. Fits best in the Big Ten, but too many candidates ahead of ISU. Too remote for the SEC and ACC, and probably the Pac 12 also.

10. Kansas State - Remote location. Not much history. Smaller school, but loyal fans. Average academics. Not a logical partner for anyone other than KU.