While looking around the interwebs today, I came across this article from a Texas writer concerning Big 12 expansion and potential targets.
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/7/5/22563956/possible-big-xii-expansion-members
In short, according to the writer the first targets for the Big 12 should be Arkansas and Missouri. While I don't believe either would leave, I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep if Missouri decided to go.
With the expansion of the college playoffs in football, what's the likelihood the SEC would expand to 16?
Every year, I keep waiting for the Big 12 to fall apart and be absorbed by the other conferences. Hasn't happened yet, but it will happen eventually. (my opinion)
That being said . . . I'd be surprised if Arkansas left the SEC for the Big 12. In my opinion, their fanbase and mindset fit in really well with the SEC.
Missouri, on the other hand, might leave. They haven't fit in very well in the SEC . . . at least that's my biased opinion. Things have happened on the Missouri campus that some might call crazy, so Missouri leaving the SEC would just add another layer to that.
I certainly don't care if Missouri leaves the SEC. In the long run, Missouri leaving might be better for the SEC. However, I don't think Missouri will leave. Money talks.
Concerning expansion of the SEC to 16 schools, isn't that the future goal of the SEC? I would like to see it happen. Also, when the SEC expands to 16 schools, it should get rid of divisions and figure out an appropriate schedule for each individual sport. (It's past time to get rid of all divisions in all SEC sports.)
If Missouri does NOT leave the SEC, then we could add: 1) Texas Christian University OR University of Houston; AND 2) North Carolina State (whom would be ripe for the picking), University of Virginia, Virginia Tech University OR West Virginia University (they would leave the Big 12 for the SEC in a heartbeat).
If Missouri DOES leave the SEC, then we could add: 1) both Oklahoma State University AND University of Oklahoma; AND 2) one from the schools #2 listed above.
University of Virginia is only 2 hours from my house, so I would love to see them join the SEC. I doubt that would ever happen though . . . academics, history, long-time affiliation with ACC, etc.
NC State might leave the ACC for the SEC, because many of their fans were upset with the ACC office for not fighting for them when they were kicked out of the College World Series.
Virginia Tech and West Virginia would both jump at the chance to join the SEC, and their fanbases and mindsets would fit in well with the SEC. Same for TCU and Houston (my opinion)