When does Utah join Big 12? Taking a closer look at Brett Yormark conference realignment moves

Utah will officially join the Big 12 on Aug. 2. The Utes are one of four teams that are joining the Big 12 on that date for the 2024-25 season.

The school was part of the Pac-12, but following the conference falling apart, the Utes left and joined the Big 12 in the conference realignment that shook college sports in 2023. "The U," alongside Arizona and Arizona State, made the move after Colorado first made the jump to the Big 12.

"We have explored all options and have determined that the right path for Utah to continue to build on its tremendous growth trajectory is to accept an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference," Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement.

"We are appreciative of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, his leadership team and the conference membership for extending this invitation. The enormous weight of a move of this magnitude is not lost on any of us. We have great appreciation for our partnership with our fellow Pac-12 Conference members, and the relationships we share that transcend competition.

"This decision represents the best interests of the University of Utah, our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and our tremendous fans, and we look forward to continuing our growth as a member of the Big 12 Conference beginning next year."

In Utah's first season in the Big 12, the football team will have notable games against Baylor, Oklahoma State, TCU, Iowa State and Houston.

The Utes are the oddsmakers' favorites to win the Big 12 in 2024 at +320, according to DraftKings, which implies a 23.8% chance of winning it all.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark was eager to add Utah

The Big 12 did an excellent job in adding four schools during conference realignment to try and keep up with the SEC and Big Ten.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said adding the four Pac-12 schools will help make the conference that much better and he's looking forward to them becoming members on Aug. 2.

"We've really been transitioning for the last several months, going to the four corners schools and introducing them to the new Big 12. It has gone extremely well. I've been to the campuses to truly engage with the administrators and coaches," Yormark said, via AZ Central.

"The heavy lifting is really done and when the summer comes and they're officially on board, it's just the games. We welcomed them in months ago and they're now part of the family."

Per Yormark, the conference doesn't have an interest in adding any more schools but he isn't ruling it out in the future.