TCU would not be a proponent of Big 12 expansion because it is beholden to Texas (which got TCU into the Big 12) and because TCU is a much stronger candidate for future P5/P4 expansion than might initially be thought. TCU academics are adequate and its athletics program (other than basketball, which is slowly improving and just hired alum Jamie Dixon) is pretty good. And TCU has plenty of cash.

TCU probably won't fit the Big Ten mix, but it is a perfect second, third or fourth addition to an expanding SEC, Pac 12 or even ACC.

TCU's proximity to DFW and presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth market/recruiting ground is tremendously attractive and makes TCU a great partner in expansion with another Texas or Oklahoma school.

Start with the proposition that Big 12 dissolution can only occur if and when Texas bolts. Texas will have its choice of landing spots, and for a variety of reasons (beginning with its disdain for the mere thought of "following" A&M) it will not choose the SEC. Texas will go to the Big Ten, ACC or Pac 12, probably in that order of preference. (Texas folks are pessimistic about west coast travel and kickoff times.)

TCU will not follow Texas to the Big Ten, but if Texas went to the east or west coast it would most likely do so in a pod of four. For travel reasons, TCU is much more convenient and attractive than either Oklahoma State or Texas Tech. Even if political considerations require Texas to broker a deal that includes Texas Tech, TCU would fit in the second pair along with Oklahoma or possibly Kansas or a wild card like Houston or Baylor.

But the more probable scenario would result if Texas goes to the Big Ten with Oklahoma and/or Kansas. If the Big Ten expands, the Pac 12 and SEC will have to look hard at doing so. For the Pac 12, any expansion almost has to include one or two Texas schools and TCU is the best independent candidate other than the Horns. For the SEC, TCU represents an opportunity to solidify its presence in Texas, gain greater entry to Dallas-Fort Worth than A&M currently provides and provide a further link to one or both of the Oklahoma schools.

So even though TCU is a newcomer to the P5 stage, it has a lot of practical factors going for it in the event of future consolidation/expansion.