Big 12 expansion, realignment speculation includes Pac-12 schools Arizona State, Arizona

Over the summer, speculation about Arizona and Arizona State potentially leaving the Pac-12 Conference for the Big 12 Conference ran rampant.

It's back.

With the Pac-12 reportedly struggling to find partners for its media rights, chatter surrounding the Sun Devils and Wildcats potentially leaving the conference for the Big 12 is swirling once again, with several sites speculating about the fit of the Arizona schools in the Big 12.

Check out the latest talk involving ASU and Arizona switching conferences.

More:Pac-12 expansion, realignment speculation: Media rights situation bleak for conference?

Athlon Sports: Watch Arizona, Arizona State in Big 12 expansion talks

Kevin Borba wrote: "The Big 12 has not been shy about discussing their four corner plan, and Arizona falls under that category. Arizona's football program is on the rise, while their basketball and baseball programs would fit in seamlessly to the Big 12. … The easiest thing for the Big 12 to do is to snag both Arizona schools, which adds a built in rivalry and gives them control over the state in terms of the market. Geographically the two Arizona schools fit perfectly with the Big 12 as well."

CBS Sports: Big 12 ready to take in Pac-12 teams like ASU, Arizona

Dennis Dodd wrote: "Almost immediately after USC and UCLA announced they were leaving for the Big Ten, the Big 12 showed interest in the Pac-12's four corners schools (Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah). … Any Big 12 expansion continues to revolve around that Pac-12 TV deal. … If the Pac-12 continues to take its time or struggles to come to an agreement, the unspoken stance held by the Big 12 -- at least publicly -- is that some of those West Coast schools might get nervous about the league's security and stability. There is now  a former Midwest-based conference ready to take them in."

More:ASU, Arizona conference realignment odds: Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12 for Sun Devils, Wildcats?

Longhorns Wire: Big 12 should target Arizona State, Arizona

CJ Mumme wrote: "Arizona is a solid brand that makes sense in the geographical footprint of the Big 12. The Wildcats are competitive in many major sports, including exceptional basketball and baseball programs. …  Arizona State is a natural fit to join the Big 12 Conference for the same reasons as Arizona. Bringing in the two Arizona schools adds a fun new rivalry to the Big 12."

Sports Illustrated: Big 12 should raid Pac-12 for Arizona, Arizona State, others

Schuyler Callihan wrote: "This would be the most ideal situation for the league. Landing big-time athletic programs that are competitive in multiple sports, not just football and basketball. The addition of Oregon would be massive. As would Colorado - a former member of the league. These six schools in particular have been mentioned in conference expansion rumors dating back to last summer. And according to Dennis Dodd of CBS, "everything is on the table", including a possible merger with the Pac-12."

More:Are Pac-12 schools ASU, Arizona a package deal in college conference realignment?

Heartland College Sports: ASU, Arizona among top Big 12 expansion targets

Pete Mundo wrote: "Arizona brings in a top-notch basketball program historically (imagine the Cats in Allen Fieldhouse for a conference meeting?), with a football program that has had bright spots, but remains an enigma, for the most part. It has yet to fulfill its potential, but the potential is there. It’s possible being a more visible football conference with a better brand will help Arizona. The massive undergraduate size and an alumni base is of value and adds another Mountain Zone team for the league. … You can flip Arizona and Arizona State however you so choose, but the Wildcats have had the better of the athletic departments in the revenue sports of late, so I give them the edge. The reality is, these two schools are probably a packaged deal and share many similarities in location, culture and size (although ASU’s enrollment number pushes 80,000!). These two are also in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation and a booming place for the league to consider staking a claim."

Oklahoman: Big 12 ready to pounce on Arizona, Arizona State, others

Berry Tramel wrote: "The Big 12 — itself in precarious mode when OU and Texas pledged allegiance to the Southeastern Conference 19 months ago — feels empathy for the Pac-12. But not enough to stop lusting after some combination of Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Arizona State and Arizona."

More:Pac-12 has been 'fractured' by Big Ten, Big 12 conference realignment, expansion chatter

Pistols Firing: Pac-12 schools like ASU, Arizona can still be pilfered by Big 12

Kyle Cox writes: "The demand for the Pac-12 continues to wane and the Big 12 could take advantage with a number of Pac-12 schools listed as suitors the last time the Big 12 was taking applications. The league showed particular interest in Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah last year. Will it make a push for some or all of them on this go-round?"

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pac-12 realignment, expansion: Arizona State, Arizona Big 12 chatter