I've said this before, I think the Beavers' AD handled this very poorly. His focus and statements were on complaining about the Ducks leaving. Did he meet in person with any of the ADs from the Big 12? Call them? Did OSU's President call/meet any of the Big 12s Presidents? While I haven't looked, I'm willing to bet that OSU's academics exceed the majority of the schools in the Big 12. Remember, the Ducks took a huge haircut to join the Big Ten. Did the Beavers make any such offer to Big 12? Did the Beavers do anything to market themselves to the Big 12? In this era of mega-conferences and mega-TV deals, the Big 12 could have had schools in every time zone. I believe that OSU got caught flat-footed and just went along with what WSU did. I love OSU, it sucks to see what is happening. The mood around the football program sucks right now. Your AD, instead of a coaching search, went with the guy who didn't leave with Jonathan Smith, because fans wanted the guy who still loved them. ADs have to be stronger than fans. Remember, lots of former Duck players were so butt hurt over Cristobal leaving that they wrote a public letter demanding Oregon hire Cal's fucking coach because he was a former Duck. Our AD had the strength to go against Joey Harrington and gang on that. Seriously, it's time for OSU to get a new AD. Find the right person, and have them look at this entire Pac-12 situation with fresh eyes.
From what I've read on the situation the past couple years, OSU did try to get into the Big 12 and were rejected. The Big 12 even said they wanted a strong baseball conference. OSU is a premier baseball team. Their baseball team would have been even better too if the Ducks didn't get Jelly of their success and bring their team back.
In the midst of the Pac-12's collapse, Oregon State University (OSU) explored various options for the future of its athletic programs, including potentially joining the Big 12 Conference. However, OSU's primary preference was to rebuild the Pac-12. Here's a breakdown of OSU's actions regarding conference realignment: Considering all options: Following the departure of most Pac-12 schools, Oregon State had to consider numerous paths forward, including the Big 12, HERO Sports reports. Prioritizing Pac-12 rebuild: Oregon State Athletic Director Scott Barnes stated that rebuilding the Pac-12 was the program's top choice. Legal actions to control Pac-12 assets: OSU and Washington State (WSU) filed a lawsuit against the Pac-12 to gain control of the conference board and its assets, enabling them to potentially rebuild the league. The Washington Supreme Court ultimately sided with OSU and WSU, giving them control of the Pac-12's assets. Rebuilding the Pac-12: OSU and WSU, in collaboration with the Pac-12, have since announced that Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Gonzaga will join the conference starting in the summer of 2026. While joining the Big 12 was considered, the focus for Oregon State ultimately shifted to rebuilding the Pac-12.
I went back through the thread we have on this. Colorado announced they were leaving on July 27th. On July 28th, teams are scrambling in the Pac-12. OSU announces they're sticking with the Pac-12. Az, Az St, Utah, all talking with Big 12. August 3rd. They bolt. August 4th. Ducks and Huskies announce they're leaving. Going by press reports, it really does look like the Beavers did nothing after July 28th. I see no reports that the Beavers talked with the Big 12 when Az, Az St, and Utah were. I understand this was a fast-moving situation, but I really think OSU's AD completely fumbled the ball.
I think all those things can be true. Announcing you want to stay in the Pac 12 in solidarity wasn't necessarily wrong because of course they would want to do that. It evens says they confirm their commitment with other schools. Doesnt mean they didnt have conversations themselves. The truth is those schools you named are all more successful than the Beavs in terms of name other than maybe Utah. But the big 12 already had BYU so there was some appeal there. No chance any conference would take the Beavs over the Wildcats.
Yeah, their sports program is SO bad that even their ELITE baseball team couldn’t get them in the Big 12. Ducks had nothing to do with them NOT getting an invite.
Your knowledge of college sports is so bad you think baseball has any influence on the conference alignments.
I don't think I said that. However, it is likely very true OSU would have had better recruits without the Ducks creating a baseball program over envy (those are words used by many when they shut down wrestling and wanted baseball).
Honestly I don't know if you are joking because he might have ended up being that. Terry Baker was the Heisman Trophy winner for the Beavers. Early 60's. Edit- Just looked it up. Guess he became a lawyer.
This is a rough time for Beaver sports fans. What you said was taking a shot at them not getting into the Big 12.
@THE HCP is a Lakers fan and acts accordingly as a Ducks fan. Unfortunately, when you get a more popular fanbase, you get fans that like to stomp downwards. Now, lets get back to our regularly scheduled program.
