University of Memphis lobbies for possible Big 12 expansion spot

University of Memphis President M. David Rudd sent a promotional publication — highlighting the finer points of the city and its major university — to University of Texas president Dr. Gregory Fenves in December, showcasing the University of Memphis as a possible Big 12 expansion candidate.

Rudd said the publication, entitled "Memphis Soul of a City," captures “the passion and proud history of Tiger athletics including a historic run by our football program.”

Rudd also told Fenves he would “welcome the chance to connect via phone and discuss in more depth some of the great things going on in Memphis.”

Big 12 takes big step toward deciding on expansion, title game

Memphis is among several schools seeking a move to a more-lucrative Power Five conference and the Big 12 may be considering two additional programs to get to 12.

Memphis, Cincinnati, Central Florida, UConn and Houston from the American Athletic Conference are among the schools reportedly lobbying for Big 12 inclusion, along with BYU.

Navigate Research, a Chicago-based analytics firm, was hired by the Big 12 and commissioner Bob Bowlsby announced the findings this week. Navigate Research concluded adding two teams would increase the league’s chances of being in the four-team College Football Playoff by “4-5 percent.”

The Memphis publication highlights the city’s top Fortune 500 companies, its overall attributes and the U of M’s attributes, including its recent athletic accomplishments, particularly the turnaround by the football program. Tiger football has gone 19-7 the past two seasons.

Phil Stukenborg writes for The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.