Pac-12 expansion: 4 teams likely to leave AAC as CFB insider hints at Pac-12 realignment

College football insider MHver3 has reported that four AAC schools have committed to joining Pac-12 as expansion candidates.

Oliver Luck was in charge of making a list of potential teams and met with the American Conference.

There are a few reasons why teams from the American would make a jump: money and power. The Pac-12 is still working on a media rights deal but with the American making about $6 million per team, that will undoubtedly be thrice the amount.

Which 4 teams are likely to join the Pac-12?

1. SMU Mustangs

The idea of getting a program with name value and also having closer proximity would be beneficial. Also, adding a team from Texas creates a hotbed of talent potentially joining the conference out of high school.

2. Navy Midshipmen

They are on this list for the same reasons as SMU. The Navy brings a different brand of football to the conference with a heavy running attack and the prestige of one of the Armed Forces. They would be appealing and also bring in more attention from a militaristic standpoint.

3. UAB Blazers

UAB's new coach Trent Dilfer said he believes the American could be a Power Five conference. The Blazers would likely jump at the opportunity to continue getting buzz and joining the Pac-12.

The location, Birmingham, Alabama, is a chance to get some Southeastern Conference fans to watch a local team in a different Power Five conference.

4. Rice Owls

Bringing in Rice adds a few interesting aspects. The Rice vs SMU rivalry is big. Also, having a media market like Houston could do wonders for the Pac-12. This helps in many factors and should be something that George Kliavkoff and Oliver Luck consider in the future of the Pac-12.