OU and Texas appear destined for the SEC. Texas A&M apparently wasn’t involved in the discussions.

Happy Friday, friends and fans!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you likely have heard all about how the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns are currently at the forefront of the college sports world. On Wednesday, it was revealed that both programs have been in talks with the SEC for quite some time, and apparently those talks involve leaving the Big 12 for greener pastures in the near future.

It’s honestly pretty hilarious how Texas A&M Aggies was left out of these discussions that reportedly began more than six months ago. For all the chest-thumping, S-E-C-chanting and coattail-riding they do on an annual basis, apparently their input wasn’t deemed valuable nor necessary for the rest of the league to consider while deliberating on such a seismic decision. Sorry not sorry, Jimbo.

On Thursday, it was reported by CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd and others that athletic directors and university presidents across the Big 12 Conference were scheduled to meet in the afternoon to discuss this rapidly developing situation. Once the call was underway, it was discovered that administrative representatives for both OU and Texas were not present. How telling is that bit of news? At this stage, I’d say quite.

Obviously there will be a lot more to come from this story in the coming hours, days and weeks. The possible ramifications on a move this major are virtually boundless. From the sound of things, folks at Oklahoma are fed up and have been fed up with the way things are going in the Big 12 for quite some time, and they can see the potential merits of joining the deep and powerful SEC. Time will tell all, so for now, we wait.

Now onto this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! Watch list season continues, Ronnie P. signs the dotted line, game forfeitures are on the table in the NFL this season and more!

OU Links

• Amid all the commotion between Oklahoma, Texas and the SEC on Wednesday, Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel analyzed what could become the biggest conference shift in the history of college football. So far, there doesn’t appear to be much resistance in the way if all parties involved are truly on board, especially considering the amount of money that can be made for everyone in the long run.

• In case you missed it, C&C Machine’s own Allen Kenney wrote about many of the potential implications that could come with OU making a move to the Southeastern Conference, including the possible pitfalls.
• On Thursday, sophomore WR Marvin Mims and Arkansas transfer Mike Woods were each named to the 2021 Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

• In related news, redshirt junior RB Kennedy Brooks and Tennessee transfer Eric Gray were each recently named to the 2021 Doak Walker Award Watch List.

• On Wednesday, redshirt senior H-back Jeremiah Hall was announced as a nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team.

• Earlier this week, former OU DE Ronnie Perkins officially put pen to paper with the New England Patriots. After being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the talented defensive end has now signed a four-year rookie contract with the Pats.

Around the Sports World

• Cleveland’s pro baseball team has officially changed its name from the ‘Indians’ to the Cleveland Guardians. Well done, y’all.

• I can already envision some salty fans after their team takes an official loss this season all because their favorite NFL team couldn’t reschedule a game after a COVID-19 outbreak. This could cause quite the shake up indeed.

• In other COVID-related news, Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich has elected to not receive the vaccination and as a result is attending Pac-12 Media Days remotely.
• The San Francisco 49ers have signed LB Fred Warner to five-year, $95 million contract extension, officially making him the highest paid linebacker in the league.
• After eight seasons in the league, Pittsburgh Steelers LB Vince Williams announced his retirement from playing pro football on Wednesday.
• The Iowa Hawkeyes are naming the team’s football field after former All-American Duke Slater, who later became one of the first African Americans to play in the NFL.

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