You may have forgotten, but it was not long ago that the Big Ten formally announced it would look into expansion. The internet was abuzz at the possibility of a twelfth member, be it Notre Dame, Pitt, or even the recently gridiron-challenged Syracuse. Then things died down a little. Until today, when word got out that that member could be…The University of Texas?!

The Lawrence Journal-World reports today the Big Ten has had preliminary talks with Texas about joining the league. The Big Ten announced in December that it would actively explore the possibility of expansion during the next 12-18 months, but this is the first legitimate report of discussions with another institution.

While Texas wasn’t even considered in our Big Ten expansion poll, it wasn’t because the Longhorns wouldn’t be a great addition to the conference. Quite the opposite – taking Texas from the Big 12 would be a nearly unbelievable coup. Not only would the Big Ten extend its reach into the South, but would get an athletics program with an incredibly impassioned fan base. While these are merely talks, it’s encouraging that not only has the conference worked beyond an announcement of intent, it set the bar high in starting its courtship.