When does Colorado join Big 12? Deep dive into latest conference realignment moves after Pac-12 collapse

The University of Colorado returns to the Big 12 conference this year after announcing in July 2023 its decision to leave the Pac-12.

When does Colorado join Big 12?

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders (Image credit: IMAGN)

The University of Colorado officially becomes a member of the Big 12 on August 2. They are among the 10 teams from the Pac-12 that are switching conferences. The others are Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington (who are moving to the Big 10), Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah (who are following Colorado in the Big 12), and lastly, Cal and Stanford (who are heading to the ACC).

Due to this move, that nearly dissolved the conference, only Oregon State and Washington State remain in the Pac-12. They have reached a scheduling agreement to play at least six Mountain West games this year. However, it is to be seen whether the conference will continue to operate beyond next season.

Colorado football HC Deion Sanders' brutally honest assessment on leaving Pac-12

During a press conference in November, Colorado's football coach, Deion Sanders, was asked for his opinion on leaving the Pac-12 to return to the Big 12. His answer showed the kind of coach that he was and what his priorities were.

“We don’t think about that. We could care less,” Sanders said. “Whoever is on the schedule, we’re going to play our hardest and we’re going to play to win."

He added:

“We don’t care what you call it, what conference you call it. I’m serious, I’m speaking for my staff as well as the young men that I coach: they don’t care of the conferences. They just want to win and play their butts off and prayerfully go to the NFL or be a professional in some form or fashion. They don’t care what package you wrap us up in.”

Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes had a bright start to the 2023 season and won three of its opening games. However, the same can't be said for the remainder of their stint as they finished with a 4–8 record and failed to qualify for a bowl game.

It will be interesting to see whether they can turn things around this year.