Auburn football: 5 Group of 5 Big 12 replacements after OU and UT leave for SEC

Arkansas State aims to compete with the Razorbacks

The state of Arkansas is defined by the success of the Razorbacks in the SEC, but unfortunately, it’s been tough going for the Hogs since the days of Bobby Petrino a decade ago.

Perhaps it can be a two-horse race. Or more accurately, I guess, a two-mammal race?

What I’m trying to get out here is that the Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sunbelt can contend with Arkansas football as the state’s darling with a step up to the Big 12. Besides last year, Arkansas State was a perennial bowl game participant.

There may be some bumps in the road coming off considering they are coming off of their worst season in a decade and own a low-ranked 2021 recruiting class.

A Big 12 bump gives them a better chance for nabbing recruits in their state, leading to a return to prominence for a program that employed both current Auburn football HC Bryan Harsin and former AU and current UCF HC Gus Malzahn.

The Green Wave rolls west

Truthfully, Tulane hasn’t proven complete deserving of a Power Five jump based on the last several years mired in mediocrity in the American.

That said, we’re talking markets here. The Big East is a big beautiful southern gem that could reignite recruiting success with such a leap.

After OU and UT (put em together you get OUUT of the Big 12) left for the SEC, getting back a founding SEC member–even if it is the Green Wave–is a nice return shot.