The Big East is still considering multiple expansion options that would create either a 14-team or 16-team conference and potentially include BYU, Air Force, and now Army. Brett McMurphy of ESPN reported that the conference is still split over whether to approach BYU or Air Force as a potential 14th member. But there’s also discussion about adding both schools, and also inviting Army to create a 16-team league.
Big East Expansion: Army Being Considered, New Divisions Could Be ‘Red’ And ‘Blue’
Navy is set to become the 13th football member of the conference in 2015, and Big East commissioner Mike Aresco continues to state that the league will add a 14th football school. When the conference reaches 14, it could be split into two non-geographic divisions labeled “Red” and “Blue,” McMurphy reports. Boise State, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston, Rutgers, Temple, and the TBD 14th team would make up the Blue Division. Connecticut, Louisville, Memphis, Navy, San Diego State, South Florida, and SMU would comprise the Red Division.
Army, BYU, and Air Force have all been approached in the past by the Big East, but all three rebuffed the conference. One league source tells McMurphy that the three will “crawl back” once the Big East’s television deal is complete. The conference is currently in a 60-day negotiating window with ESPN.
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