Conference realignment is a hot topic in college sports right now. Where do the Kansas Jayhawks stand, and could they leave the Big 12 once its media deal expires?
The Kansas Jayhawks were founding members of the original Big Six back in 1928. One of the most prestigious basketball schools in history, KU has spent nearly a century in what the longtime conference has become.
It’s hard to disassociate the University of Kansas from the Big 12. Bill Self’s Jayhawks had captured 14 consecutive regular season titles at one point. Big 12 basketball runs through Lawrence, and so does practically the entire history of Kansas basketball. The conference is also expanding, recently adding Colorado in addition to four other schools who will debut this year.
Regardless, times are changing in the NCAA. KU had been rumored to join the Big Ten a year ago, but the talks died down quickly. If AD Travis Goff and the university do decide to leave the conference in coming years, the Big Ten would be the most likely landing spot. Unlikely, yes, but not impossible.