While rumors and reports circled over the weekend regarding Utah’s interest in joining the ACC, representatives from the university quickly put rumors of further realignment to rest on Tuesday.
According to a report from Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, Utah Athletics called the weekend report “completely fabricated and irresponsible.”
“We are proud to be entering into membership in the Big 12 Conference in the coming months and excited to join our new colleagues and member institutions,” the statement reads. “A report over the weekend that suggested otherwise is completely fabricated and irresponsible.”
The initial report regarding mutual interest between Utah and the ACC was first reported by National Sportswriter Hall of Famer Dick Weiss, who wrote, “Speculation is circulating about potential shifts in college sports conferences. There is discussion about Utah possibly moving to the ACC despite its recent move to the Big 12, with some suggesting the ACC might be a better fit due to its ESPN network agreement and potential for increased TV value. However, skepticism exists regarding the stability and attractiveness of the ACC compared to the Big 12.”
Shortly after its release, the report was spread to every corner of the internet, prompting a swift response from the Utah Athletic Department. Despite select groups of fans making their opinions known regarding Utah’s role in the new league, the Utes are “excited to join new colleagues and member institutions” on July 1, 2024, alongside Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado, who elected to join the Big 12 Conference.
While Utah’s response may have put some rumors to bed, the new era of conference realignment has been referred to as the Wild West for a reason, and fans worldwide have taken notice. Despite an ever-changing landscape in college athletics, the Big 12 Conference has found a way to remain stable as the world around them changes.
