[trumandogz]

UT does not need A&M in their conference and the Longhorn don't need to play the Aggies to remain relevant as Texas is a premier program that takes in more money than any other NCAA program.

And Texas will have the Longhorn Network and that will bring UT $300 million dollars.

However, as it is now, the Big 12 now has ten teams and may as well be called the Longhorn Conference as Texas calls all of the shots.

If A&M were to leave, Texas would become an independent or join the Pac 12 or Big Ten.

The Longhorns could do whatever they want and set the terms if they go to another conference.

It all comes down to who has the most cash and UT Sports in the Big Dog and the Aggies and other schools are a fire hydrant.

[quadrant]

I have no doubt about the power (and money) of UT.
I simply believe that A&M could not leave the Big 12 without the - at least - tacit consent of UT.

UT would be a great addition to any other conference, but one problem remains.
UT is used to calling the shots in any conference to which it belongs.
None on the Big 10 schools - and esp Ohio State - would give UT the sort of authority it has now.
Nor, for that matter would the PAC 12 schools, esp Southern Cal.
So, the question is: could UT become just another member of the Big 10 or the PAC 12?
I doubt that, but I could be mistaken.