TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 15 (UPI) -- Florida State University is weighing leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference and looking at joining the Big 12, university President Eric Barron said.
Barron said in a statement Monday FSU is considering the pros and cons of leaving the ACC for a possible move to the Big 12, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported.
"I want to assure you that any decision made about FSU athletics will be reasoned and thoughtful and based on athletics, finances and academics," Barron said.
The Big 12 has lost four teams and added two in the past two years and hired a new commissioner this month. But the American-Statesman said the league does not appear to be seeking new members.
University of Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds said there was "no traction" to a possible Florida State move to the Big 12.
"There've been no conversations between Florida State and the Big 12," Dodds said.
He said he prefers to keep the league at its current 10 teams.
Barron said schools in a possible Big 12 division with Florida State, including Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and West Virginia, would not bring many fans to FSU home games in Tallahassee.
He also said a move could cost FSU a possible $25 million in penalties and the school would lose its rivalry with Miami.
