SMU/Pac-12 thoughts from San Jose Mercury News
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:58 pmThe San Jose Mercury News’ Wilner posits SMU still has a solid chance to be invited to the Pac-12: “The conference is seriously considering adding the Mustangs for a variety of reasons that include access to the Dallas market for media dollars and recruiting. With regard to defensive linemen in particular, the Pac-12 clearly needs help. It’s an essential position but in limited supply within the conference footprint. That’s not the case in Texas. The Hotline tallied the number of blue-chip defensive line prospects (four- or five-star ratings) in both Texas and California over the past three recruiting cycles, according to the 247 Sports database. The Lone Star State has produced 33 blue chippers, the Golden State just 12. (And that number, like California’s water supply, appears to be shrinking.) Granted, there is more competition for prospects in Texas than California. But access to the marketplace through a campus in the heart of the DFW metroplex cannot hurt. At least some university presidents are aware of the need to improve recruiting and — for that and other reasons — have become intrigued by the prospect of adding SMU.” Wilner also believes it’s more likely for Fresno State to end up in the Big 12 than the Pac-12: “(Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has made no secret of his desire for a West Coast campus.) At the same time, the Hotline hasn’t sensed much momentum inside the Pac-12 for adding the Bulldogs. We see San Diego State as the priority among California schools.”