AAC commissioner Mike Aresco denies plotting with ESPN to add teams from Big 12

AAC commissioner Mike Aresco went on the offensive Wednesday during the conference's media day by denying any discussions with ESPN to poach teams from the Big 12.

In a CBS Sports report, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby accused ESPN of actively engaging the AAC to pursue "3-5" teams to join the conference after the SEC voted to admit Texas and Oklahoma as members in 2025.

CBS Sports later reported the Big 12 believed the AAC is looking to take all eight remaining teams.

Aresco said that while the AAC has consulted with its television and business partners for its own issues, he called it a "completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation" that the conference would collude with ESPN…