Colorado Board of Regents Unanimously Approves Move to Big 12

It’s becoming more and more official.

On Wednesday, college football insider Brett McMurphy reported that Colorado’s Board of Regent would vote to leave the Pac-12 to rejoin the Big 12, its former league. Now the meeting has come and the school has unanimously done so, according to McMurhpy.

Colorado Board of Regents unanimously approves Colorado's move to the Big 12. Like, you know, you might have read on this Twitter feed yesterday 🤷🏻‍♂️

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 27, 2023

So what McMurphy reported would happen on Wednesday, has happened.

The University of Colorado issued a press release shortly after, confirming McMurphy’s tweet.

Here’s a joint statement from Chancellor Philip DiStefano and Athletic Director Rick George: 

After careful thought and consideration, it was determined that a switch in conference would give CU Boulder the stability, resources, and exposure necessary for long-term future success in a college athletics environment that is constantly evolving. The Big 12’s national reach across three time zones as well as our shared creative vision for the future we feel makes it an excellent fit for CU Boulder, our students, faculty, and alumni.  

CUBuffs.com

Shortly after that news broke, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark released an eloquent statement.

A statement from the Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/UtGgY5WnTf

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) July 27, 2023

Yormark mentioned the possibility of getting back to 14, before backpedaling a bit. But it seems like a good round number makes sense.

I just said on @SportsCenter that if Colorado joins the Big 12, I would be surprised if that is Brett Yormark’s last move. Sources told me they don’t see the league expanding beyond 14, which is their ideal number for a football sked.

— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) July 27, 2023

It’s just another feather in the cap of Yormark, who, since taking over last summer, has shored up the Big 12’s status by signing an early media deal, effectively boxing out the Pac-12. Now he’s added another Power Five school, leaving the path to potentially add another.