Texas, Oklahoma athletic directors say no change in Big 12 exit date

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The two schools' athletic directors said on Monday that nothing has changed, despite the new Big 12 commissioner saying he would be willing to seek out a "WIN-WIN scenario" for Texas and Oklahoma to leave the conference early.

Texas and Oklahoma will join the SEC on July 1, 2025, but there have been rumors that they could join earlier. At the Big 12 media days last week, Yormark said that he was open to an amicably parted ways.

It's important that whatever happens is in the best interest of the conference, but I look forward to the right time to have those conversations.

At the Texas High School Coaches' Association conference in San Antonio, the ADs spoke about how to navigate change in athletic departments, but they haven't had any discussions about it.

Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione said that it was fair for people to ask a lot of those questions. A lot has changed around us. That facilitates a discussion about an earlier departure. We informed the conference that we would lead after 25 and we plan on doing the honorable thing.

He hasn't had a conversation with Yormark or met him yet.

We're in the Big 12. We're going to keep our word. Those things are not yet ready for prime time.

They said they were not surprised by USC and UCLA leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.

The thought process Castiglione went through in trying to find the best fit for the Sooners was similar to the way they moved.

Castiglione told them to look over the horizon. We were doing that as well. It doesn't mean that we weren't loyal to anyone or that we were dishonest. We have been watching the changes evolve for a long time. A long time. There were going to be a lot of big changes. There has been a lot of change. Some of it is in line with what we saw over time.

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said he wouldn't allow Texas or Oklahoma in the Big 12's business meetings if he were the conference's commissioner.

He said he understood coaches. You have to put that emotion on your sleeves. Oklahoma State coach Gundy is an incredible human being and a great coach. I understand it.

The Big 12 has done a good job of adding new schools since their own departures were announced, according to the two men.

We're trying to help right now. I don't mean it to sound like that. We're trying to be a good member of the Big 12 while we're here.

At SEC Media days, commissioner Greg Sankey said that that's not up to him. The relationship between Oklahoma, Texas and the Big 12 is discussed. We are focused on the effective date.

Sankey said that Oklahoma and Texas have been involved in important updates about the league.

Sankey said that they have been great emerging partners in the process talking about their interests and priorities.