Texas, OU officials discuss Big 12 future

Associated Press

A source says Texas and Oklahoma officials met over the weekend amid speculation that the Sooners are considering leaving the Big 12.

Texas President William Powers Jr., athletic director DeLoss Dodds and women’s athletic director Chris Plonsky were among a group of Texas officials who went to Oklahoma on Sunday.

The source also said Oklahoma president David Boren was present at the meeting, which was first reported by the Austin American-Statesman.

Oklahoma officials are reportedly considering leaving the Big 12 after Texas A&M’s recent decision to leave the conference with hopes of joining the Southeastern Conference.

On Sept. 2, Boren said multiple conferences have expressed interest in the Sooners and that he expected a decision possibly this month. That could be a move to the Pac-12 or remaining in a revised Big 12 that could be searching for a team to replace Texas A&M.

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott has indicated his conference would not be the first to pursue expansion but would monitor the situation nationwide and possibly react to events.

Texas officials have publicly stated their desire to keep the Big 12 intact.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive said the 12-member conference has “started to look at schedules for 2012-13” for 13 teams.