TCU Horned Frogs accept invitation to join Big 12 Conference

By Kevin Kelley -

TCUThe TCU Horned Frogs have accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference in all sports, effective on July 1, 2012.

TCU received an invitation from the Big 12 last week following the departure of Texas A&M to the SEC. The addition of TCU gives the Big 12 a total of ten schools.

“Joining the Big 12 connects us not only to schools with whom we share a rich tradition in sports, but also to schools committed to academic excellence,” TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. said. “Over the past six years, TCU has seen unprecedented success in academics and athletics.

“Participating in this conference allows us to strengthen the core of the TCU experience, which includes providing students with major opportunities in a personalized environment. It is very much in line with our overall goal to create a world-class university.”

TCU, currently a member of the Mountain West Conference, were members of the Southwest Conference before it broke up and became what is now the Big 12.

Last year, the Horned Frogs accepted an invitation to join the Big East Conference in 2012. They will have to pay a $5 million buyout for breaking that commitment.

TCU’s future football schedules will now change, as will members of the Big 12 and Big East. If the Big 12 doesn’t add any more members, it’s possible that TCU may simply take the place of Texas A&M on the conference schedules.