Missouri has been a part of the SEC for over a decade now, but could there be the potential to make a return to the Big 12? While there's no indication this would be anything imminent, the idea is already being floated out there as a benefit to not only the SEC, but Missouri as well.
USA Today's Blake Toppmeyer suggested that the Tigers get booted from the SEC in favor of shrinking down the conference and, at the same time, restoring an old rivalry.
'Texas created havoc for the Big 12 for many years, and the Longhorns suit the SEC anyway. So leave them be. Same with Texas A&M. Those schools should be paired together, and they fit the SEC’s tapestry. This would leave the SEC with 14 members. That's plenty.'
'So I’m moving Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma back into the Big 12. That’ll restore annual rivalries like Oklahoma-Nebraska, Colorado-Nebraska, Kansas-Missouri, and of course, Bedlam.'
Could Mizzou ever consider a return to the Big 12?
Toppmeyer does clarify he's putting money and TV deals aside in his rearrangements, because frankly, there's no way these changes happen with those in place. So considering that, Mizzou back to the Big 12 actually feels exciting. Despite some good years and a nice string of bowl games, the Tigers have never really threatened the top three or four SEC programs. A move back might make them a big fish in an also big pond.
Getting an annual or bi-annual matchup against the Jayhawks would be cinema. It's still a great rivalry on the basketball side of things. And while the Tigers have been part of the SEC for awhile now, there hasn't been specific rivalries to develop
While there's a near zero percent chances Mizzou make a switch any time soon, it's still fun to imagine what returning to the Big 12 might look like. Financials aside, getting to put the beat down on Kansas every year would be worth every penny.