Could Big 12 be Possible New Conference Home for San Diego State?

San Diego State becomes the latest non Power 5 program trying to advance itself into a major conference. The Aztecs, fresh on the heels of a Cinderella Final Four run through the NCAA Tournament, gave the Mountain West written notice that the school “intends to resign from the Mountain West Conference,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel says sources told the network.

In the letter, SDSU reportedly asked the Mountain West for a “one-month extension given unforeseen delays involving other collegiate athletic conferences beyond our control.” This was done by the school despite not having a direct invitation from another conference.

Story on San Diego State updated with some Big 12 context: The school has also been part of the Big 12's realignment exploration and there have been conversations, per a source. But sources say neither side has prioritized each other to this point. https://t.co/nrRYjhhgA6

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 16, 2023

ESPN also suggests that San Diego State has informed the Mountain West that this letter is not the program’s official resignation letter, just their eventual plans. Keeping up?

San Diego State making their intentions to switch conferences known is relevant to the Big 12 due to the conference’s constant battle with the Pac 12. As both conferences fight to stabilize themselves into the future, it’s been widely reported that the Big 12 could be looking to steal current Pac 12 members if it feels expanding further is necessary.

While many are predicting SDSU will end up joining the Pac 12, especially since the school has been rumored as a possible Pac 12 addition in the past, the Big 12 could emerge an option. Thamel even claims San Diego State is attempting to explore all options if the Pac-12 doesn’t secure a new TV deal by June 30.

A source even told ESPN that the school has actually had conversations with the Big 12 as part of the conference’s realignment exploration,

“SDSU is exploring all of the options and asking all the questions,” the source said. “The intention of the June 13 letter wasn’t that San Diego State is exiting.”

This news about San Diego State comes just a couple weeks after the Big 12 was rumored to be interested in adding Memphis, Gonzaga and/or Colorado as new members. At least in terms of Memphis, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark denies meeting with anyone from Memphis.

Report: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark Disputes Memphis Rumors

As always, everything is fluid when it comes to conference realignment news.