The realignment of conferences in university sports may not yet be complete.
While a new era begins for many teams this weekend, UConn appears to be trying to be next.
According to multiple reports, the University of Connecticut has begun the process of potentially joining the Big 12 and leaving the Big East.
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Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) speaks during a press conference following a Senate Democratic Caucus policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on May 8, 2024 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Front Office Sports noted that the rumors had been circulating for about a year, but that they had now been “presented” to conference administration and may have merit.
However, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) wrote on social media on Tuesday that it would be a “mistake” if this were to happen.
“I have always believed UConn should stay in the Big East. Our athletes and fans have a great regional conference that clearly works for our most iconic sport, basketball. Chasing football relevance is a mistake. We will get our fingers burned,” Murphy posted on X.
Murphy is right – much of the realignment has to do with football, which by far brings in the most fans, spectators and revenue. But the Huskies were a college basketball stronghold.
Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 8, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
UConn is now the reigning national champion in men’s basketball and has absolutely dominated the last two March Madness tournaments.
Every win in the tournament since 2023 has been by double digits – the Huskies’ smallest margin in six tournament games this year was 14 points when they beat Alabama 86-72 in the Final Four.
Dan Hurley is also staying. After the Los Angeles Lakers tried to bring him out west, he signed a contract extension with the school to stay in Storrs.
Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies speaks to the media after the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 8, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
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By the way, the UConn football team hasn’t had a record above .500 since 2010, so maybe Murphy is right.
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