Media panel: UCF should be top Big 12 candidate

University of Oklahoma President David Boren set off a firestorm last week when he indicated he was in favor of Big 12 expansion.

Contrary to previous statements by the league, Boren dropped a bombshell when he said adding schools wouldn't dilute the revenue from their primary television contract and could possibly enhance the overall bottom line provided the "right two schools" came aboard.

In the days to follow, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby seemed to indicate expansion was at least being discussed. He made a comment that he believes at least one-third of league members were pro-expansion and that several more presidents could possibly be persuaded.

"It's my sense that the majority are either unsure or not supportive of expansion at this point," Bowlsby told CBSSports.com. "But David is a very influential member of our board and I think his comments will cause some to have pause and think about it again. David is obviously very politically savvy and insightful and very influential, so those are his thoughts on it and I'm certainly going to listen to them."

So if expansion is back on the table, which candidates make the most sense for the Big 12?

National college football writers Bruce Feldman (FOX Sports), Stewart Mandel (FOX Sports) and George Schroeder (USA Today) dived into the topic during their podcast, "The Audible," posted on Sunday.

If the decision was up to Feldman, UCF would be at the top of the list.

"I would rank (the candidates) this way," Feldman said. "1. UCF, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Memphis and 4. BYU."

Feldman said UCF ranks highest because of the TV market, location, recruiting base and strength of the football program.

BYU may be the best overall program not affiliated with a Power Five league, but the Big 12 has previously indicated they'd likely look eastward in future expansion. BYU also has several issues that could work against them, such as a TV network that demands replay rights as well as their stance of not playing on Sunday.

"If that's the criteria, and TV markets are critical, then I would agree UCF is probably No. 1 on the list and BYU is not as important," Mandel said. "But if their criteria is that 'We think we're at a disadvantage in the College Football Playoff race and we need strength in football,' then go get BYU who can be a top 25 contender every year. UCF has had success the last couple years, but I don't know if that's sustainable. Obviously Memphis has a long way to go. Cincinnati has been good obviously. To me, BYU out of those four programs is another level with football history."

Schroeder, who lives in Norman, Okla., thinks two eastern additions would make the most sense.

"I might put Cincinnati first on that list, but I don't have a great reason for it," Schroeder said. "I think Cincinnati and UCF of that list you gave us, not saying any of those four are going to happen, would probably be my top two."

In addressing potential negatives, Mandel noted Cincinnati plays in a small stadium that will likely be capped at its 40,000 capacity. There would be "odd things about a marriage" with BYU, noting the Mountain Time Zone, Sunday scheduling and their TV network. Mandel said UCF has a great football program, but "nobody is signing up UCF basketball." Of Memphis, Mandel said, "Justin Fuente has done a great job," but they have a ways to go from a facility and fan support standpoint. "They're not anywhere near the upper half of the schools in the Big 12."

And just how likely do they think the Big 12 expands? Mandel gave a 50 to 60 percent chance expansion occurs within the next three years. Schroeder wasn't quite as optimistic, putting it at 40 percent.

Feldman, Mandel and Schroeder aren't alone in regarding UCF as a prominent Big 12 expansion candidate. ESPN's Joe Schad made similar comments last year during an appearance on College Football Live.

***UCFSports.com offers the most comprehensive coverage of the Knights that you can't find anywhere else. Get breaking team and recruiting news, in-depth interviews and exclusive photos from practice and games plus access to popular Dungeon message board. Give us a try with a seven-day free trialClick "I think BYU (to the Big 12) is an extreme longshot," Schad said. "Not that they're not an outstanding program. There was a missed opportunity with Louisville who went to the ACC. I think they would have been a terrific choice. But if and when the Big 12 expands, and maybe it's three times in a row they get squeezed out of the College Football Playoff, if that were to happen, I think Cincinnati and the University of Central Florida would be two outstanding places to go. You want to get into different areas for recruiting and for television... (UCF has) excellent facilities, big state, big school." Here to view this Link.. After that, monthly subscriptions are only $9.95/month.