3 CUSA teams that could be a perfect fit for Big 12 expansion in latest conference realignment era

The CUSA is one of the worst-hit conferences in the current waves of conference realignment. In the last few years, the league saw nine of its members depart for higher-ranked conferences, creating some uncertainty over its future in collegiate athletics.

However, the conference has been able to overcome the challenges by adding a couple of schools across the college sports landscape, ensuring stability in the meantime.

With the unpredictability of the college football landscape, they could once again be a victim. Here's a look at three CUSA teams that could be a candidate for Big 12 expansion.

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Three CUSA teams that could be a perfect fit for the Big 12

#1 Liberty

Liberty played as an FBS Independent for five seasons before realigning CUSA in 2023 in the league's rebuild. The program’s first season in the conference was a brilliant one, as they finished with a perfect record, going on to claim the conference championship.

The Flames made an appearance in a New Year's Six bowl game last season, showcasing a new trajectory of success, which could be enticing to conferences like the Big 12. While they are relatively new to the conference, they boast as one of the most attractive options to be lured away.

#2 Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky is one of the oldest teams in the CUSA following the mass exodus over the last few years. The program has been one of the most relevant teams in the conference since its arrival in 2014, actively contending for the league titles every season.

Having played in a bowl game in nine of their 10 seasons in the conference, the Hilltoppers are undoubtedly a hotcake expansion candidate in the league. It's even more impressive that they've won seven of the Big games. This is something that could ignite the interest of a conference like the Big 12.

#3 New Mexico State

New Mexico State took the CUSA by storm last following its realignment after five years as an FBS Independent. The program finished 7-1 in conference play, setting up a date with Liberty in the conference championship game, which ended in favor of the Flames.

Despite their short tenure in the league, the Aggies are one of the teams that could be lured out of the conference by a league like the Big 12. Their ambition to compete is definitely something admirable and could lead them to a bigger FBS league in the near future.