Missouri's departure from the Big 12 to the SEC is "inevitable and imminent," the New York Times reported, according to a college official with direct knowledge of the situation.
No specific timetable has been set, but Missouri’s Board of Curators will meet on Thursday and Friday at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where the process of withdrawing from the Big 12 and applying to the SEC is expected to begin, the Times reported.
On Saturday, Oklahoma State president Burns Hargis told CBSSports.com Big 12 officials did not know whether Missouri would stay in the Big 12.
Hargis also told CBSSports.com the league's presidents would engage in "serious conversations" in the next two weeks whether to remain at 10 schools or return to 12 schools. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma prefer 12 members, while Texas prefers 10 members. However, officials from all three schools want the best model that assures long-term stability.
Big 12 interim commissioner Chuck Neinas said recently that Missouri would remain in the league in 2012, no matter what the Tigers decision was regarding the SEC. However, a source told CBSSports.com last week that it was possible if Missouri left the Big 12, it could begin play in the SEC next season along with Texas A&M.
