Don’t start printing those Texas A&M SEC T-shirts just yet.
After days of speculation, the Southeastern Conference announced Sunday that it had decided against sending an invitation to Texas A&M. However, it left the door open for future discussions on expansion that could include the Aggies.
“The SEC Presidents and Chancellors met today and reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment,” Florida President Bernie Machen said in a statement. “We recognize, however, that future conditions may make it advantageous to expand the number of institutions in the league. We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion.”
“No action was taken with respect to any institution including Texas A&M.”
The move puts to rest — at least for the moment — the expansion talk that has permeated college football this past week.
Texas A&M, which considered a move to the SEC last season, has been unhappy with the current state of the Big 12 Conference. A&M officials have voiced their displeasure over recent issues involving Texas and its Longhorn Network.
Speculation increased this week when Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Texas A&M alumnus, told the Dallas Morning News that “conversations are being had” in regard to a move to the SEC.
The Texas House Committee on Higher Education called a hearing for Tuesday to discuss the move with officials from the school.
