Moments after announcing it is exploring candidates for potential expansion, invitations to the Big 12 became among the most sought-after commodities in college football.
It was as though the conference's Facebook page was flooded with 63 friend requests from the many of the top schools outside of the Power 5.
Whether the Big 12 chooses to add two or four teams, league officials want to make sure they chose the best possible available candidates.
"You know, they're going to join a family," Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. "And it's important that they strengthen the family and we strengthen them.