Big 12 expansion: Why Arizona Wildcats are No. 1 candidate to follow Colorado from Pac-12

Arizona Republic The Arizona Wildcats are many writers' top choice for the next team in Big 12 expansion. Big 12 expansion speculation continues to swirl around several schools, but one Pac-12 school seems to be included in almost all of it. The University of Arizona.

Many sites predict that the Wildcats will be the next school to leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12, and rumors and chatter are running rampant about the school's potential conference switch. Are the Arizona Wildcats the best candidate to join the Big 12 next? Yes, they are, according to several college writers' lists of Big 12 expansion candidates. Check out what they are saying about Arizona's potential fit in the Big 12: Sports Illustrated: Arizona now top candidate to join Big 12 Casey Lundquist wrote: "Arizona would fit the Big 12 culturally and geographically.

The addition of Arizona would also further cement the Big 12 as the best basketball league in America. The Arizona football program is on the rise under Jedd Fisch after a few down years under Kevin Sumlin. Adding Arizona could create a domino effect of more Pac-12 defections, giving the Big 12 leverage to be selective with its last two remaining spots.

" CBS Sports: Wildcats top priority for Big 12 Shehan Jeyarajah wrote: "If the Big 12 only adds one more Power Five school, the Wildcats are top priority. Arizona fits well within the elite basketball configuration of the Big 12 and has invested well on the football side of things under third-year coach Jedd Fisch. Getting into the American Southwest has long been a target for the Big 12, and connecting through Colorado and Provo, Utah (BYU), makes the add a no-brainer.

Arizona president Robert Robbins has been on the record saying that he is comfortable waiting for the financials tied a Pac-12 media deal before making a decision. More than a year after negotiations started, the Pac-12 has not delivered one, which ultimately led the Buffaloes to defect. If the number finally comes in, will Arizona pull the rip cord if brass aren't satisfied?" Colorado Buffaloes Wire: Arizona a top candidate to be next Big 12 team Jack Carlough wrote: "Arizona football appears to be on the rise and its basketball programs have been more than competitive of late.

This is likely the Big 12’s top target, per multiple reports. " College Football News: Arizona No. 1 fit for Big 12 expansion Pete Fiutak wrote: "The Big 12 is right there ready to pounce.

Colorado was always bullish on the Big 12, and now Arizona appears to be really, really itchy to jump out of the plane if the Pac-12 can't land the media deal. Losing Colorado stings the Pac-12. Losing Arizona will be a total disaster.

" KSL Sports: Arizona could be top expansion candidate for Big 12 now Mitch Harper wrote: "There’s an argument to make Arizona number one on this list. But if you’re Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, you dream big and go for the Ducks if you can get them. Arizona would be an excellent addition to the Big 12 because they have a blueblood basketball program.

Wildcat fans always bring loads of fans to Pac-12 Basketball Tournaments; they’d probably still find a way to make their presence felt in Kansas City for Big 12 Tournaments. Plus, the football product has always had the potential. Head coach Jedd Fisch is starting to realize the potential by landing some talented recruiting classes.

" Heartland College Sports: Wildcats would be great fit with Big 12 in expansion Pete Mundo wrote: "The Wildcats have always been one of the more likely teams to make the jump to the Big 12. It’s a legendary basketball program (although they always manage to screw it up come March), and while the football program has notoriously underachieved, it remains a potential sleeping giant if they get the right coaching staff. Arizona feels as Big 12 as any school in the conference and the basketball brand alone would continue to elevate the Big 12 Conference in basketball into what the SEC has become in football: The clear No.

1 conference in the country. Arizona in Lawrence, Kansas for a late-January showdown? Sign me up. " .