REPORT: SEC Attempting to STEAL WEST VIRGINIA from Big 12 in Realignment Move... Or is it Fake?
REPORT: SEC Attempting to STEAL WEST VIRGINIA from Big 12 in Realignment Move... Or is it Fake?  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Thu Aug 07 2025
Description: The rumors and discussions surrounding West Virginia's potential move to the SEC are primarily speculative, often originating from fan discussions, message boards, and independent content creators who are "connecting the dots" based on past realignment talks and geographic considerations. Here's a breakdown of the current situation: No Official Sources: There have been no official reports from respected journalists like Pete Thamel or Ross Dellenger, nor have any SEC or WVU officials confirmed any such talks. The SEC's current expansion focus, as reported by sources, is primarily on poaching elite brands from the ACC, with schools like North Carolina, Florida State, and Clemson being the top targets. Historical Context, not Current Reality: The idea of West Virginia joining the SEC is a long-standing rumor that dates back to the early 2010s. At that time, West Virginia was a highly successful program and the SEC did reportedly flirt with the idea of adding them. However, West Virginia ultimately moved to the Big 12, and the SEC expanded with Texas A&M and Missouri instead. This historical interest is often what fuels the current speculation. WVU's Strong Commitment to the Big 12: West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker has been a vocal and public supporter of the Big 12. He has openly criticized the Big Ten and SEC's proposals for the College Football Playoff, calling them "unfair" and "a non-starter" for the Big 12. Furthermore, Baker recently signed a contract extension through 2032, signaling a strong commitment to West Virginia and the Big 12. The Big 12's Strategic Advantage: For West Virginia, the Big 12 has become a more stable and geographically sensible home, especially with the recent additions of Cincinnati and UCF creating an "eastern pod." This gives West Virginia a competitive advantage and reduces travel, which would be a major issue if they were to join the geographically sprawling SEC. While the dream of joining the SEC may persist for some fans, the reality of the current realignment landscape and the public comments from WVU's own leadership indicate that the Mountaineers are firmly committed to the Big 12. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.