I can't imagine it ever happening, but Oklahoman writer Berry Tramel believes U of L should be the top target should the Big 12 opt to move back towards being an actual 12-team conference.
His rationale:
→Come from a decent-sized television market, No. 49 in the U.S., which is bigger than Memphis, New Orleans and Buffalo.
→Have a solid athletic program; in the 2000s, Louisville has won the Orange Bowl in football and reached the men's Final Four, the women's basketball NCAA championship game and the College World Series.
→Are an adequate geographic fit. Louisville is 508 miles from Kansas City, Mo. Boulder, Colo., is 622 miles from KC. Kentucky borders Missouri
→Might be interested. The Big East is more vulnerable than the Big 12. The Big East reportedly is contemplating Central Florida and Memphis, which is not the kind of football move that will ensure long-term viability.
Again, I can't foresee this ever happening, but I'd have to think Jurich and company would be extremely interested if it did. The Big 12, as mentioned, would provide stability and it's also poised to challenge the Big East as the nation's best basketball conference. It would be a very good fit.