Big East Expansion: If Not Villanova, Then Who?
by oaklandzoo12 on Aug 5, 2025 7:01 AM EDT
in Pitt Athletics
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PrintI swear, this'll be the LAST time I talk about expansion until I read the phrase "The Big East has formally invited ______ to join the Big East Conference." But to recap, media days were this week and, as anticipated, we learned absolutely nothing about Big East expansion, other than we may, you know, expand.
I wrote a piece earlier this week on why Villanova should not be invited and asked you all what you thought. The majority of you think we can do better as a conference than Villanova, although it was close. It was 60-40 against Nova joining at all and about 1/3 of everyone who voted yes thinks that Nova should be part of a package deal, something that AD Steve Pederson also agrees with. Pederson is also high on getting another program in Florida.
Pederson told Gazette writer Paul Zeise that the Big East's "dream scenario" is to get TCU, BC, Maryland (Randy Edsall's dream job), and one other school (presumably Nova/UCF/Navy) to get to 12 and have a conference championship game either at campus sites or in New York, I'm guessing New Meadowlands Stadium. There are also rumors that the Big East is waiting for the Big 12 to continue its slow and painful death so it can invite Missouri, Kansas, and Kansas State, along with TCU.
As for supposed candidates, Pederson shot down any thought that schools like East Carolina, Southern Miss, Army, and possibly Villanova would be invited to join the conference. Of the main rumored targets, only UCF and Navy are ones that have any serious backing.
So what does this all mean? Well, for one, the Big East is actually trying to get decent schools. This is where the benefit of going last in media deals comes into play. If the Big East were to go out into the open market and get big money from Comcast, NBC, or ESPN, they could potentially sway Maryland and BC (although fans of both schools aren't particularly thrilled, especially BC).
My question to you is, if not Villanova, then who? Expansion is happening, whether you want it or not. Does the Big East go to 10 or 12? Let's go over the candidates:
Villanova: Already a member of the Big East in all other sports, but an FCS football member. Plus don't even get me started on the stadium issue, which has been somewhat ignored over the past few weeks.
UCF: Solid FBS program, with an up and coming basketball program. Attendance issues are a concern (Gator-Knights?), plus USF has a problem with them being in the Big East and there's already four AQ programs in the state.
Navy: Another solid FBS program, though hoops is lacking and with the way Navy has to recruit, you have to think it'll be hard for them to compete in the Big East (I assume they could beat Depaul though). Would they even want to give up football independence though?
Maryland: Good football and basketball programs and within the Big East's footprint. The only issue is whether they would be willing to jump ship from the ACC, which they're a founding member of, to the Big East. This is all assuming of course that the Big East lands a big TV deal.
BC: Former Big East member, though they seem happy in the ACC. Good football program, basketball is average at best with the occasional good year. Great market within the conference's footprint. Same issues as Maryland though.
Mizzou/KU/K-State: I'm lumping the Big 12 threesome together because the Big East isn't getting one without the other two and wouldn't have the chance to get any unless the Big Texas 12 Conference collapses (still a possibility). Mizzou and K-State have decent football programs, while they all are pretty good on the court.
Personally, I would like to see the Big 12 threesome as the newest members of the Big East. Honestly, if I had to pick, I'd take Texas being Texas and driving away the other Big 12 schools over the chances of BC coming back to the Big East. Plus, Kansas at the Pete. Awesome.
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i have obvious biases here
but every single one of those schools you mentioned have obvious issues (including Villanova) but the only school that is in a top five media market is Villanova. VU basketball has proven that it can command the attention of the philly media, and their football program is a first class operation that only lacks the interest it should have because our fans (somewhat understandably) find FCS football to be small potatoes.
frankly, the stadium issue is bullshit.. expansion is in the works, the stadium is beautiful, is an all-seater, and it would have arguably the nicest amenities of any stadium in the conference. if there are games where more people are needed, citizens bank park and the linc are options, but the stadium issue just smells of an excuse to me given the very public agreements in place about PPL Park.
the real reason this is an issue- Villanova happens to recruit heavily in the exact same places that several big east schools do, and they do it quite well given the fact that we already beat some of the bigger schools on occasion.
What Would Matt Szczur Do?
Fact on Villanova Sports
by Hoyadestroya85 on Aug 5, 2025 10:22 AM EDT reply actions
Not paying attention
If you think this is about recruiting then you obviously are letting your bias show way too much. This is about Money and the perception of the league. Penn State/BC/Maryland overlap the entire recruiting area and they would be invited tomorrow if those teams would say yes. While Villanova is located in Philly they do not deliver the Philadelphia market, the only team that would do that is Penn State, and they ain’t coming.
Secondly if the PPL Park issued is settled then why doesn’t Villanova sign the contracts to play there and spend the money to build the on campus facilities. If they are committed then spend the MONEY and make it happen. Villanova is trying to take the cheap way and wait until the Big East offers before putting out any cash.
Secondly adding C-USA teams and FCS teams doesn’t help the Big East image. Going into the TV negotiations the league needs to appear to be as strong as possible, the reason why TCU was added is because it enhances the football profile, Villanova does not do that. Villanova had their opportunities in the past to join the Big East and sat on their hands and waited, now it appears their chance has passed them by.
by twink on Aug 5, 2025 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
why do you think Villanova just underwent a huge capital campaign?
they raised 35 million dollars in like four months for this shit only to be stonewalled. the perception that Villanova is trying to do this on the cheap is patently false, and they don’t even do FCS football on the cheap.
What Would Matt Szczur Do?
Fact on Villanova Sports
by Hoyadestroya85 on Aug 5, 2025 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Who cares about the public image?
The Big East needs MONEY. The only image that matters is the one that is seen by ESPN/NBC/CBS.
So, yes, those networks would love to have BC or Maryland. Mizzou would be great in football as well. Kansas State isn’t a great addition and Kansas is a great hoops brand, but isn’t an attention-getter in football. Also, the Big XII probably won’t break up in the next year.
So, the realistic options are Villanova and a bunch of CUSA, MAC or Sun Belt schools. That’s where Villanova’s value is — TV networks would prefer to take a chance on a big media market like Philly than to take a chance on UCF/ECU/etc. growing in their smaller markets.
You are right that the league needs to appear as strong as possible for TV negotiations. The ongoing indecision about expansion makes the conference look weak, disorganized and ripe for the picking. That’s why the Big Ten hired a consulting firm: (1) it takes a lot of guessing out of the equation, and (2) it kept the membership on the same page.
by ENova on Aug 5, 2025 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Who cares about public image?
If you’re asking this question, you don’t know Big East football. This expansion is all about putting the conference in a better light, putting a better quality product on the field. In other words, improving our public image.
Cardiac Hill contributor
by oaklandzoo12 on Aug 5, 2025 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
As I mentioned in the comments of one of the posts yesterday, I’d have a hard time believing recruiting was the main they were being kept out. While it’s true that Rutgers may recruit the eastern PA area hard (and Wannstedt had begun to creep over there until he was let go), in all honesty, Pitt’s focus under Graham has been Western PA and the south. Since Pitt is apparently the school leading the charge, that argument seems to have a bit of a hole. If that were the main reason they were being kept out, I’d think Rutgers would be leading the way.
That’s not to say that Pitt doesn’t recruit the east at all, the but many of the big time recruits are more likely to go to Penn State, anyway. If Wannstedt was still around, I could believe that argument a bit more as he was doing better in that area, but I think Graham’s focus on getting over there probably falls a bit behind Western PA and southern states like Texas.
Lastly, there’s the fact that as mentioned in the comment below, I think this all comes back to perception and actually trying to improve the league. Villanova may become a quality football member, but as I wrote in a post yesterday, jumping from FCS to FBS is essentially a crap shoot. I do think Nova could succeed in making the move, but we don’t know how fast that will happen. The bottom line is that the Big East knows they have a weak football conference and in getting TCU, proved it can go farther west to improve rather than selecting from the list of names we’ve heard before that are closer to home (UCF, ECU, Memphis, etc.).
Plus, with the TV deal still out there as well, I think the league is going to explore other options to see if they can get a more quality football program. Adding someone like Maryland (which, admittedly, is a long shot) would up the offers far more than adding Villanova.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
HA
And as soon as I say that Pitt is going further east less, they get another verbal from a MD kid. #MaybeIGotThatOneWrong
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention
Every Big East school recruits Florida.
Nova gets recruits from California at an impressive clip, and maybe more recruits from NJ than PA. For Rutgers, that NJ pipeline might be a concern, but for Pitt? They’d be idiots if they were worried about that. They’re an established program, recruiting doesn’t overlap much, and where it does, Pitt should win a fair number of battles.
by ENova on Aug 5, 2025 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Pitt used to recruit NJ heavily
That was one of Wanny’s top areas, especially when Jeff Hafley was the coach of the secondary. This season, it’s not as big of a priority. As Anson was saying, western PA and the south are Graham’s main recruiting areas
Cardiac Hill contributor
by oaklandzoo12 on Aug 5, 2025 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Recruiting isn't a major concern. At least not for Pitt and WVU.
Maybe for Rutgers, but only because Nova is right in their backyard (not that that set-up has killed UCLA/USC or Stanford/Cal)
by ENova on Aug 5, 2025 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
twink fact checker
- Nova won’t build on campus. Too congested for access / traffic, and township will block.
- What is the logic of building an on campus stadium AND signing with PPL. It’s one or the other (or some other option), but not both.
- PPL park owners have expressed their Nova desire, and have openly unvieled their expansion plans.
- Nova has signed to play Delaware at PPL park this fall. Doubtful that a move to FBS or a long term deal on a stadium would be independent, but rather contingent.
- As already mentioned, there are more stadium options. Linc, CBP, Franklin Field, etc.
by hawkisdead on Aug 5, 2025 12:36 PM EDT reply actions
A practice facility
Nova wouldn’t build an on campus stadium they need to update their practice facilities. They are woefully outdated and have been talking of upgrading but haven’t as of yet. That is what they need to build on campus.
As for other stadiums the Linc isn’t an option as Temple has rights to that stadium and I don’t see the Phillies allowing a game in CBP at least until November.
by twink on Aug 6, 2025 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the insight
Hadn’t really thought of that, to be honest
by CardiacHill on Aug 6, 2025 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Landing BC and Maryland? As long as we are dreaming...
Big East Alignment
Football 12: Syracuse, Pitt, WVU, UConn, ’Ville, Cincinnati, USF, ND, BC, Penn State, Nova, Temple
Basketball 16: Football 12 + St Johns, GeoTown, Providence, SH
by hawkisdead on Aug 5, 2025 12:58 PM EDT reply actions
ECU is by far the best candidate
I was looking at the candidates and ECU has a history of solid football, actually finished the season ranked no. 9 a few years ago, have good facilities and are improving, have a great fan base, sellout the 50,000 seat stadium, have a medical school and dental school, and the kicker is the TV market. ECU’s market would actually add value to the BE. A study was done to determine what outlets would pick up the BE package is ECU were included and it proves a lot of value would be added. ECU compared their bowl game tv audience to TCU’s tv audience and ECU’s share of eyeballs was better. Conversely, UCF would add no new tv outlets to the BE.
by dhoney1726 on Aug 5, 2025 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
That's really intriguing
I’ve not heard a lot of good reasons for them, but if everything you say is true, it sounds interesting. Had no idea they sellout a 50K stadium. There’s no name value there on a national level and most people would probably be inclined to say ‘more weak teams’, but I’m officially intrigued.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I like ECU as a potential candidate also
But from what I’ve read, the Big East isn’t really looking at CUSA schools other than UCF apparently
Cardiac Hill contributor
by oaklandzoo12 on Aug 5, 2025 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Adding ECU is a no-brainer
Other than WVU, I can’t think of one school in the Big East (BE) that I would use the word “passionate” to describe their fan base. Enter ECU. I think if they were in a major conference they could be the top NCAA football draw in NC. This can’t be said about UCF in their home state. In fact, it can’t be said about UCF in their home city. I realize that NC isn’t FLA, but it has a sizable and educated population that is attractive to advertisers.
ECU is an established football program in an area that the BE has no foothold. It would also bring more continuity to the BE footprint.
by Maroon Baboon on Aug 5, 2025 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Pirates
Def ECU, AD Terry Holland just got the word from the NC legislature to increase Dowdy Ficklin Stadium to 58,000 seat with new press box.
ECU ranks no 2 in NC in football for viewers behind UNC. And after what has happened in Chapel Hill we think ECU make surpass UNC this year.
The Pirates have beaten several Big East Schools in the past and the fan base is rabid and true
by piratesofecu on Aug 5, 2025 3:17 PM EDT reply actions
Not dumping on you... but...
Please remember that on-field performance does not drive the monetary value of a program. It is a weak/unreliable indicator of that value at-best.
by ENova on Aug 5, 2025 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I know they’ve beaten some Big East (i.e. WVU a couple of years ago) and ACC teams recently and had some 8- and 9- win seasons. But wasn’t aware of the attendance factor and fan interest. Interesting stuff when the TV thing gets considered.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Not feeling it.
They are behind UNC, NCSt, Duke, and Wake in their own state! How does that improve the image of the Big East?
by SlingStone on Aug 5, 2025 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think it would
But the fan level and attendance figures are intriguing. Those types of things can add revenue.
Still would probably rather have other big names right now, though. The Big East has a major perception issue and that hurts when it comes to getting quality bowls, etc.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Perception
The Big East will take UCF, and that will not improve their perception issues. Rather than taking a mid-major school (like ECU) with a rabid fan base and a solid record against BCS opponents, they’ll go with UCF who has beaten 2 BCS opponents in ten years. It’s a shame.
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that the Big East will take UCF if the ACC/Big 12 schools aren’t available (and I don’t think they will be in the end). Still not sure who my first choice would be, but UCF may be the first choice for the conference.
by CardiacHill on Aug 6, 2025 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Not true
SlingStone, I’d love to hear the justification for this comment. ECU trails only NC State and UNC in total attendance figures, and actually beats them in percent stadium capacity filled. Duke and Wake don’t even come remotely close.
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant as a university
And public entity. I don’t think introducing the Big East to the region that far down the local sports hierarchy would be good for the conference. ECU is a pretty big school, but it’s place in the pecking order is clear.
Maybe it’s snobbish but I come from a Big Ten family that appreciates what the CIC does for its members. I’d like to see the Big East grow in that direction. Adding TCU was a step in the right direction for both sports and academics. ECU would not be, regardless of their stadium percentage.
by SlingStone on Aug 6, 2025 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Keep Dreaming!
Good luck luring in a Big Ten or ACC school!
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Screw BC...
I don’t want Boston College back. Their fan bases spit on the Big East as being lowly and uneducation compared to the ACC. They don’t bring enough to the table to make them worth it. I would rather bring Temple back then lower ourselves to welcoming BC back.
Maryland would be a good fit but would never leave the ACC and their established rivalries. They helped found the ACC. Despite the fact that the ACC revolves around the Carolinas they’re not going anywhere.
We would benefit from Central Florida. They’ve had recent success and a huge tv market and an established rivalry with USF. Houston fits naturally in with TCU and is another large tv market. I have a feeling if we don’t make the move for Houston then the Big 12 will. Villanova i feel would be fine but I’m not remotely excited about them. I genuinely don’t think that they would compete for a long time. Penn State will never leave the Big 10, because once Paterno finally retires (someday…) I believe that they will be successful again sans Fischer and Florida State. Notre Dame will never commit to the Big East.
by MountaineerAirman on Aug 5, 2025 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
I could do without them
That said, if they wanted to come back (which they don’t, it seems), I’d probably take them. We can’t afford to take a lower-quality program just to spite BC at this point.
But I get your point.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't care
SU, Pitt, WVU, Rutgers, Penn State, and BC are northeastern major college football (and possibly UConn now). They should be in the same conference.
Penn State will not be, because they’re in the Big Ten, and no sane school would leave the Big Ten unless they were giving up on big-time college sports entirely and the Big Ten isn’t inviting all of the rest of us even if the 16pocalypse happens and they decide to go mostly east. But BC back would unquestionably be a good thing (for both them and us, even if they’re in denial about that right now).
Having said that, I voted for the Big 12 threesome because TCU is joining the conference, and given that it makes a lot of sense to have someone between Ft. Worth and Louisville (plus no more SU-Kansas State bowl games; I’m all for quitting while we’re ahead on that).
by drothgery on Aug 5, 2025 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
My expansion preferences
East Carolina, Memphis, Houston
by delriogrande on Aug 5, 2025 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
I could live with one of those three
or MAYBE two…not crazy about Memphis at all. If the Big East were to take two off that list, though, I’d like to see them get a big player as a third member.
by CardiacHill on Aug 5, 2025 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Good Choices
The Big East has no shot at luring any Big 12 or ACC schools. Their best bet at staying competitive is to go for Houston, East Carolina, and Navy (with Southern Miss as an alternate).
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions
ACC
Yeah, I don’t see the ACC, either - frankly, other than having some good schools that would great geographic choices, I don’t know how that ever comes to pass. The Big 12 stuff is at least founded on the fact that the conference may not survive, so that actually makes more sense to me at this point.
by CardiacHill on Aug 6, 2025 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Good choices,
I would try to get SMU instead of EC because you already have TCU, so that would give TCU two natural rivals with two large TV markets added (well, Dallas would be strengthened that much more with SMU who is resurging; TCU is already making a splash in Texas recruiting this year). West: SMU, TCU, Houston, Memphis, Louisville, S. Florida; East: Pitt, Syracuse, WVU, Rutgers, UConn, Cincinnati
"Fast Eddie: No bar?
Cashier: No bar, no pinball machines, no bowling alleys, just pool... nothing else. This is Ames, mister."
From the movie--The Hustler
GET TO THE RIM HEAT (and SKY)! ATTACK THE PAINT!
by mjtig on Aug 7, 2025 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
UCF tops CUSA option
Football is the major issue of course. UCF tops CUSA football or comes very close consistently. Taking UCF in the BE also means the USF rivalry game - more interest now than ever since USF is trying to block. That’s quality TV. Massive and growing alumni base and good market.
Also, looking at the 3 main college sports - football, then basketball, then baseball - ucf is the most well rounded. they are the best overall option if the BE adds a cusa team. I hope it gets to 12 teams, but if only 1 cusa team gets an invite, i’d vote for ucf.
by BC is screwed on Aug 6, 2025 2:32 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Plain & Simple Facts - ECU is the Best Option
The Big East should focus on what’s attainable. No one is leaving the ACC or Big Ten for the Big East. It’s just not happening. That leaves the discussion down to Army, Navy, Villanova, and Conference USA schools.
No offense to the Big East, but they’re not the Big Ten. And they probably never will be if they keep taking commuter schools in large cities without many football fans (UCF, Villanova). Imagine how little tradition the Big Ten would have if half of it’s members were like Northwestern!
The Big East has the North Florida, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh, New York City, Upstate New York, Philadelphia, and New England TV Markets already. Adding TV markets is the least of the Big East problems. What the Big East truly needs are wins against BCS conference opponents. Having a 7-5 champion is completely unacceptable, and the BCS won’t keep allowing that to happen!
ECU has 5 great things that the Big East could exploit:
1. They’d take a football-only membership in a hot minute!
2. North Carolina is the 10th largest state. Charlotte and Raleigh are 2 of the fastest growing metropoltan areas in the country. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2011-03-02-north-carolina-census_N.htm This is an area where the Big East has little viewership now, unlike Orlando and Philadelphia where USF and Rutgers already bring in viewers. Best of all, ECU has a statewide fan base that stretches from the mountains to the coast. Check out this article about the 2010 Liberty Bowl’s ratings http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/feb/11/liberty-bowls-over-ratings/
3. In the last 15 years, ECU has beaten 13 BCS-quality teams: South Carolina, Miami, NC State, Wake Forest, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Duke, TCU, Texas Tech, Virginia, Boise State, and North Carolina. I believe you will find that quantity to be bigger than UCF, Villanova, Memphis, and Houston’s total COMBINED!
4. ECU has passionate fans that go to games and care about their team. Last season ECU had an average attendance of 49,665. Not only was that the highest attendance mark in Conference USA by over 10,000 (UCF was 2nd at 39,614), but ECU’s attandance was better than Vanderbilt’s, all the WAC schools, all the Sun Belt schools, all the Mountain West schools (not including BYU who is now Independent), all of the MAC schools, Army, Navy, 5 of the Pac-12 schools, Rutgers, TCU, USF, Syracuse, Cincinnati, UConn, 3 Big 12 schools, 4 Big Ten schools and 6 ACC teams! Here’s the proof to back that up. http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/d47a560045aad7aab88ffc9080650d5b/2010_Attendance.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=d47a560045aad7aab88ffc9080650d5b ECU ranked #43 of the 120 D-I teams in attendance. The only non-BCS team with more was BYU.
5. ECU offers up more traditional rivalries. ECU already has conference history with Cincinnati, Louisville, TCU, and USF. Additionally, the Pirates have on-the-field history with Syracuse and West Virginia. I could foresee a Rutgers-ECU rivalry evolving, as well. A large base of ECU’s student body is actually from New Jersey. Greenville, NC might not be at the top of anyone’s travel plans… but the match-ups would be far more interesting than any of the other expansion candidates.
I think the folks at ECU get really fired up about this topic. Pirate fans want this badly, and it just doesn’t make much sense how anyone could think that UCF is a better option for the Big East.
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
Oops, 14!
I forgot Virginia Tech on my list of teams that ECU has beaten. Make that 14 BCS-level teams!
On the flipside, UCF has only 3: Georgia, Alabama, and NC State.
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Cute, the ECU trolls have invaded yet another Big East blog / message board
You’re still not getting in the Big East.
by drothgery on Aug 7, 2025 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The more I read about ECU, the more impressive they sound
It’s a TV market the Big East doesn’t have right now and the attendance thing, as I mentioned in other comments, is pretty solid.
The one thing I’ll say is that while it looks unlikely that the ACC or Big 12 thing ever plays out, things change. Before TCU came to the Big East, who would have thought that was a possibility? Who ever thought Nebraska would end up in the Big Ten? Or Colorado in the Pac 12? Things have turned upside down a bit and who knows where things will be a year from now.
While teams like UCF, Villanova, and ECU may add value to the Big East, I don’t have any problem in the conference staying put and waiting to see if the possibility for one of the bigger names exists. If the Big East went ahead and added those aforementioned three teams right away but then the Big 12 fell apart leaving a few teams to look for new homes, they would have egg on their face.
But I like your case for ECU - if the Big East were down to the C-USA teams and Nova, I’d have no problem looking at extending them an invite.
by CardiacHill on Aug 6, 2025 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
UCF's Attitude Problem
When UCF came to Conference USA, a good friend of mine (who is a Toledo alumnus) told me, “I’m glad they’re leaving the MAC.”. He told me how UCF came into the MAC with talks of going undefeated, but left with an 0-11 record. In the few years afterward, I’ve come to realize that UCF needs an attitude adjustment. Just look at this article that was written in their school paper: http://www.centralfloridafuture.com/mobile/expansion-crunch-time-ucf-is-the-best-fit-for-big-east-1.2431124
“Being a member of Conference USA is embarrassing for our entire athletic department.” Yes, she REALLY DID just say that!
Personally, I now feel like my friend Ken… if the Big East takes UCF, Good riddance!
by GB1121 on Aug 6, 2025 7:51 PM EDT reply actions
On conferences...a bit long-winded
A lot of you have said that getting ACC or B12 schools is dreaming, and I have the feeling you don’t really understand the bigger picture.
1-This is not about tradition. It is ALL about the money. Conference loyalties don’t play as big a part as they used to.
2-The PAC-N just got a TV deal worth 3billion (with a B) for 10 years. That changes everything.
3-NBC/Comcast is turning Versus into NBC Sports network, and they want a major conference tie in. The BE is essentially the only one left. There will be a competition with ESPN. That’ll drive the price.
4-B12 schools don’t like the fact that the conf let Texas have its own network. It creates so much money disparity that some B12 schools may be willing to leave for better deals. And the B12 as a conf is perhaps even shakier than the BE.
5-Football drives the bus.
6-Did I mention its ALL about the money.
Would we get a Duke from the ACC? Probably not. But would we want them? No, football drives the bus.
Could we get some of the more loosely affiliated ACC schools, like BC, VT, Miami, FSU? FSU has not been ACC that long. They used to be one of the East Indies. The other 3 have already demonstrated they’ll take the money. I don’t think any of them have much loyalty to the ACC.
Could we get Oklahoma and Texas? No. But if the B12 splits up, Mizzou, Kansas, K ST, probably would be left out. Given the B12 situation, they might just head out anyway if the money is right.
Who we get depends on the money offered. The money offered depends on who we get. No disrespect to those schools, but no one’s gonna pay for Villanova, ECU, UCF. Villanova’s a marquee name in BB, but football drives the money bus. Kansas would be a better get. ECU, UCF have decent football, but not yet major-conf caliber, and do not have national recognition.
To get the biggest deal, the BE has to be able to show National names and big TV markets. Villanova, UCF, ECU do not provide that. They may be a possibility if nothing works out, but for now I’ve got to think they’re on the back burner.
by PantherHollow on Aug 6, 2025 8:06 PM EDT reply actions
Some great points, however...
While I would never rule anything out, the Big East would have to blow the ACC’s TV deal out of the water in my opinion for the Big East to lure any of their schools away. It’s just a much less stable situation than the ACC’s right now and while I don’t think they’re going to fold anytime soon, if the Big East loses some teams to expansion to another conference, they’d be in deep trouble.
It’s nice that they have the leverage with the TV deal thing, but any offer they get would be significantly cut if the conference lost teams like WVU, Syracuse, or even Pitt to a conference like the ACC. We keep talking about ACC teams coming here, but I don’t think they’ve ruled out trying to expand themselves.
I don’t know if a school like BC or Maryland would come to the Big East for a few extra million dollars - I think it’d need to be a fairly significant difference in money.
by CardiacHill on Aug 6, 2025 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions
True...
I can’t see Boston College making the trip back to the Big East, they left for a reason. Maryland helped FOUND the ACC, and if that wasn’t enough their academics alone will keep them in the ACC. I see the Big East getting poached in the next few years. Even TCU won’t be a member long-term, not when something geographically better comes along.
by MountaineerAirman on Aug 7, 2025 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's my dream scenario
WVU and Pitt jump to the ACC. Or WVU and one other jump to the SEC. Tell the Big East to go pound sand.
West Virginia fans hate everybody. They remember every snub and joke and bit of snark. And they never forgive, and they never, ever forget. In other words, they're a lot like West Virginians in general.
by Kid Tenderloin on Aug 6, 2025 11:47 PM EDT reply actions
I agree...
I want WVU and Pitt in the ACC. They geographically and competetively fit the bill, not to mention reviving old rivalries.
by MountaineerAirman on Aug 7, 2025 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
your must be joking
what TV markets do Pitt and WVU bring?
Maybe the ACC could start “Hick TV” network. ha!
by waterwater on Aug 8, 2025 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Umm...the Pittsburgh market
Which is the 23rd biggest market in the U.S.
And I would hardly consider Pittsburgh to be Hick
Cardiac Hill contributor
by oaklandzoo12 on Aug 8, 2025 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Rollie
Rollie Massimino left a big paw print on the Villanova campus. I believe that they deserve a shot at big time football, It is obvious that the Big East would take them in a Philadelphia minute if the stadium issue could be solved. Being a BC fan, BC better keep all of their options open. Texas A&M is starting the domino effect. A second team has to go with them, maybe Missouri, maybe Virginia Tech. The ACC could come apart just like the Big 12 and BC would be left standing there “naked and alone”. I believe that BC will move and that is why they haven’t fired their coach yet on a third of five year contract. They are flexible and waiting to see what is coming. They fit into the ACC like the 28th Massachusetts was welcomed into Charleston.
by JBQ on Aug 30, 2025 5:34 PM EDT reply actions
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