A Big 12 source said that officials from Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, in a move sensing Nebraska's determination to join the Big Ten, have already met to pledge their solidarity. The first choice is to save the Big 12, but if that's not possible, officials from those schools are prepared to merge with the Pac-10.
The source said the meetings included the chancellors, presidents and athletic directors from the three schools. Not present was a Baylor contingent. Baylor is locked in a battle with Colorado for what is presumed to be the sixth spot along with Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State that would create a 16-team superconference with the Pac-10 schools. Colorado is believed to be favored by the Pac-10.
Texas and Texas A&M will meet Thursday to discuss their next move with Nebraska apparently on the verge of leaving the conference. Another Big 12 source said that Nebraska's actions have greatly accelerated talks among officials at Big 12 schools.
The source said that athletic director DeLoss Dodds and school president William Powers met with the Texas coaches on Wednesday to update them on the swirling realignment talks.
Texas and the other Big 12 South schools, the source said, continue to work to keep the Big 12 intact.