AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas System Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to approve its flagship campus joining the Southeastern Conference - one of the final steps in what will likely become a significant change in college sports.
“Our board met today to discuss the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics and the invitation from the Southeastern Conference to The University of Texas at Austin," said Board Chairman Kevin Eltife. "Recognizing the impact this would have on our athletics programs, the board unanimously voted to approve this conference realignment upon the expiration of our current agreement with the Big 12.”
The University of Oklahoma is expected to join the Longhorns in making the move to the SEC with a vote on Friday. The change is expected to go into effect on July 1, 2025.
Both schools say they will continue to fulfill their obligations to the Big 12 "through the end of our time together," Eltife said.
UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell called the move one to "protect and enhance" the school's athletic program and the larger university. "In order to do so, we looked at conferences across the country and concluded that the SEC was the best fit for our future," said Hartzell in a statement. "The reasons are many: the stability and strength of the league and its leadership, the level of visibility for our student athletes, some of the toughest athletic competition, and exciting stadiums that are similar in capacity and attendance to ours."
Hartzell also pointed out that the move will rekindle key rivalries, including regular competition with Texas A&M and Arkansas in addition to Oklahoma.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte called the move an effort to position the university for "continued stability and success." "There’s a lot of opportunity on the horizon, and we feel great about our future," Del Conte said in a statement. "So, as we head into Big 12 action this fall, we’ll be competing as hard as ever, striving to be champions on and off the field, and representing our league with the pride and passion that epitomizes our Texas Longhorns. We have a rich tradition and history, and we will continue to compete proudly as members of the Big 12 as we prepare for our future in the SEC in 2025."