For those wondering when the Big East would finally add new members, tomorrow looks to be that day. Tom Luicci of The Star-Ledger and Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com are reporting that the Big East will announce the addition of five universities tomorrow. Boise State and San Diego State will be added as football only members while the trio of UCF, SMU, and Houston will be added for all sports. Each of the five schools will join the conference in 2013.
The conference is still working with Navy and Air Force to join the league as football-only members, and according to McMurphy Navy could join the conference as early as next week. Air Force is still on the fence with joining, and if the Falcons opt to stay in the Mountain West, McMurphy is reporting that Temple would be the leading candidate for the 12th football spot.
With all the options out there, this was the best move for the Big East. Boise State is a perennial Top 10 team that will help give the Big East some clout. Houston and UCF have each had Top 25 seasons over the last couple of years while SDSU and SMU are finally heading back in the right direction after years of mediocrity. Each of the schools except for Boise State each bring in major TV markets that will help when the Big East looks to negotiate for a new television contract.
Basketball will take a hit however. UCF, Houston, and SMU will not way replace the prestige of departing schools Pitt, Syracuse, and West Virginia. UCF has the highest KenPom rating at 100, with Houston and 159, and SMU at a horrific 211. UCF and Houston does show some promise though. The Cougars were a national powerhouse in the 1980s, and UCF notched some big wins over the past two seasons.
We will keep you guys updated when a press conference is scheduled to announce the new schools.