Big 12 Fans Overwhelmingly Reject Big 12-ACC Teams Swap

The vote speaks volumes about fan priorities in the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics realignment. Big 12 supporters appear comfortable maintaining the league’s current core identity and rivalries rather than exchanging long-standing programs for new geographic territory and a different market footprint.

Some voters in the poll were all-in for the idea of bringing the trio in, largely due to Texas rivalries involving SMU, which would enhance their national brand and television appeal. However, the poll suggests that fan sentiment remains tied to continuity, with conference culture and on-field rivalries taking precedence over expansion optics.

Nearly one in three voters were open to an all‑out swap, revealing a notable minority ready to embrace a new direction, perhaps enticed by the allure of the Bay Area and Los Angeles TV markets or the addition of recruiting ground in California and Texas.

But even those notions couldn’t break up the strong foundation and notoriety that Cincinnati, West Virginia, and UCF have brought into the Big 12 in recent years.

The results of the poll also reflect a growing sentiment among Big 12 fans: a preference for stability over spectacle. As the league continues to carve out its place in the post-realignment era, there’s a clear appetite for standing firm with current members rather than chasing short-term buzz.

Related: Why I Wouldn’t Trade 3 Big 12 Teams for 3 Teams from the ACC

Flash-in-the-pan additions may bring temporary headlines in realignment, but fan bases seem more invested in building tradition with the schools already established in the Big 12. Programs like Cincinnati, West Virginia, and UCF have been through the transition fire in recent years, with departures from the ACC and Big East, and are forging rivalries that feel increasingly authentic with every passing season.

This mindset reflects a deeper shift from expansion for expansion’s sake to the consolidation of identity.

The Big 12 has weathered the loss of legacy programs and emerged with a diverse, nationally spread lineup that still feels cohesive in an era of instability. Swapping partners now, especially those who have done the dirty work of establishing themselves in the league’s culture, would run counter to the momentum that has been hard-earned since the league’s transformation. Fans want to double down on loyalty, not reshuffle it.

As conference leadership continues to navigate TV contracts, geographic mandates, and competitive balance, the poll answers highlight the need for strategic alignment that resonates at the grassroots level.