"UConn’s got to set its priorities": Gov. Ned Lamont pushes Huskies' Big 12 ambitions; advocates for bold investments and public-private partnership

The UConn Huskies are considered one of the most successful college basketball programs and are a part of the Big East Conference. On the other hand, the university's football team is still developing and plays as an independent program, like Notre Dame.

On Tuesday, Governor of Connecticut Ned Lamont came forward publicly to talk about the UConn Huskies. He spoke on their chances of changing their league and becoming a part of the Power 5 conference by joining the Big 12.

Lamont discussed the recent conference realignment and believes the Huskies should not be left behind amid the changes. He also stated that UConn must 'set its priorities' in order to have a successful future.

"Obviously there is an enormous realignment of these leagues and you don't want to be left behind," Lamont said. "I understand where they are coming from there. TV revenues are important as well. I'm going to rely upon Dave (UConn AD) to do the right thing.

"I think that UConn's got to set its priorities. They have one of the biggest grants per capita of any state university in the country. So rather than ask the taxpayers to do a little more.... but let me see what the proposal is coming in, there may be a private/public partnership that makes some sense in this as well."

---

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark discusses benefits of adding more schools to the conference amid UConn rumors

Speaking ahead of the Penn State vs West Virginia Week 1 showdown on FOX, Brett Yormark shared his take on the conference. He talked about what it would mean to add new schools to the Big 12.

He was also questioned about the Huskies' stance in a possible future realignment with the Big 12. Without taking the name of any school, Yormark answered by stating that he will be looking to add value at any opportunity he finds.

"We're blessed to have the four corners with us. And when you have big brands, that leads to greater parity and depth in the conference," Yormark said.

"I can't speak specifically about schools, but it's incumbent on me as the commissioner to create value when I see it. Big brands, big markets, big fanbases matter, so we'll see what happens."

Representatives from the Huskies reportedly made an in-person presentation to the Big 12 a few weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if the Huskies go on to become one of the new members of the conference in the future.