Heather Dinich believes that there could be a snowball effect when teams switch conferences in college football. (1:47).Why Oklahoma and Texas would not join the SEC if they were to move forward (1:47).According to a statement by the flagship programs of Big 12, Oklahoma and Texas have officially notified the SEC that they seek "an invitation for member" starting July 1, 2025.According to the release Texas and OU sent Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, their request Tuesday morning.The statement stated that the two universities "look forward to the prospect for discussion regarding this matter."According to the July 27th letter, Jay Hartzell, Texas president, and Joseph Harroz Jr., Oklahoma president, wrote that "We believe there would be mutual benefits to the Universities on one hand, and to the SEC on both the other, for the Universities of the SEC to become members."Sources claim that the SEC presidents will meet Thursday to discuss Texas and OU for official membership in the 16-team superconference. A source familiar with the process said that although the Big 12 schools have given formal notice, it doesn't mean that the SEC will vote at the time. Invitations would need to be extended if there was a three-fourths majority vote by the SEC presidents or chancellors (11 out of 14).ESPN previously reported that sources had told ESPN that they believe enough SEC schools will vote for the addition of the two new members.Sankey stated that while the SEC has not actively sought new members, they will pursue significant changes when there is clear consensus among their members that such actions would further enrich the student-athletes' experiences and lead to greater academic success across all campuses. These requests will be considered by the Presidents and Chancellors (in their capacity as Chief Executive Officers of the conference) in the near future.Both Oklahoma and Texas have set aside separate meetings for Friday morning. During these special meetings, the topic of athletic conference membership will also be addressed. Oklahoma's regents meet in Oklahoma City while Texas' regents meet via conference phone.Texas and OU both stated in the letter they plan to stay in the Big 12 until June 30, 2025. This is when the current Big 12 media rights agreement expires. However, that doesn't mean they will not find a way out. Each university would be required to pay a penalty between $75 million and $80 million if they break the agreement earlier. Or, hope that the Big 12 dissolves prior to the expiration of the rights contract.According to one Big 12 source, OU and Texas may be betting on a relationship that will turn so sour in the coming years that the Big 12 agrees that they will have to part ways.According to the SEC, a source said that the Sooners and Longhorns "have a lot to do before they can just go over to us."This report was contributed by Mark Schlabach and Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.
