Before Joining the Big 12, BYU Competed in This Prestigious Conference
What conference was BYU in before Big 12? Before joining the Big 12 Conference, Brigham Young University (BYU) was a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). BYU’s transition to the WAC in 1981 marked a significant milestone in the school’s athletic history, as it sought to align with conferences that shared similar values and academic standards.
The Western Athletic Conference, founded in 1922, was a well-established collegiate athletic conference that included universities from the Western United States. As BYU transitioned to the WAC, it aimed to enhance its competitive profile and expand its athletic program. During its tenure in the WAC, BYU enjoyed a strong athletic presence, particularly in football and basketball.
BYU’s membership in the WAC lasted until 1995, when the university decided to leave the conference and join the Mountain West Conference (MWC). The decision to move to the MWC was driven by a desire to be part of a conference that better aligned with BYU’s values and to provide a more competitive environment for its student-athletes.
The move to the MWC was met with mixed reactions from BYU fans and alumni. Some believed that the MWC would provide a more competitive challenge for the Cougars, while others were concerned about the potential loss of tradition and rivalries that came with leaving the WAC. Nonetheless, BYU’s membership in the MWC has been successful, with the Cougars winning numerous conference titles and competing at a high level in various sports.
The decision to leave the MWC and join the Big 12 Conference in 2012 was another significant move for BYU. The Big 12, known for its strong football programs and television contracts, presented a new opportunity for BYU to compete at an even higher level. The conference also offered a larger footprint, allowing BYU to expand its national brand and attract more recruits.
Since joining the Big 12, BYU has continued to excel in athletics, both on and off the field. The Cougars have achieved notable success in various sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. The transition from the WAC to the Big 12 has been a pivotal moment in BYU’s athletic history, showcasing the university’s commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of collegiate sports.
