Colorado returns to the Big 12: Brett Yormark said “They’re back”

The University of Colorado Board of Regents unanimously approved a resolution Thursday allowing the University of Colorado Boulder to join the Big 12 Conference effective for the 2024-25 academic year.

Philip DiStefano and Rick George, CU Boulder chancellor and athletic director

After careful thought and consideration, it was determined that a switch in conference would give CU Boulder the stability, resources, and exposure necessary for long-term future success in a college athletics environment that is constantly evolving.

George Kliavkoff, Pac-12 commissioner

Our schools are committed to each other and to the Pac-12, ... We'll get our media rights deal done, we'll announce the deal.

The Associated Press

While some of the regents expressed disappointment about leaving the Pac-12, they said the shifting sports landscape left CU no option but to rejoin the conference where they were a founding member in 1996.

Brett Yormark, Big 12 commissioner

They’re back,

Todd Saliman, University of Colorado president

We think the time has come for us to change conferences,

Deion Sanders, Colorado head football coach

This move is a game changer, and we plan on changing the game.

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports college football writer

The Big 12 didn't win anything, it simply bought more time.

Tom Osborne, Former Nebraska coach and athletic director

You're talking about lost traditions, ... I can share the feelings of the fans in that I miss those drives to Manhattan, Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; Ames, Iowa, and some of those relationships.

Tom Osborne, Former Nebraska coach and athletic director

Finances are driving this thing more than anything, and my guess is that the uncertainty about where the Pac-12 stands right now appears to make the Big 12 better for Colorado — even though the Big 12 has not been a paragon of stability.