University of Utah Officially Begins Membership in Big 12 Conference
8/2/2024 7:00 AM | General
Aug. 2 kicks off celebration of a new era for the Utes
"As we join the Big 12 Conference, we are thrilled to align with a community of institutions that values both athletic excellence and academic achievement," said Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah. "We can't wait to bring the U's competitive spirit to this dynamic conference. Under Commissioner Yormark's leadership, the Big 12 is poised for remarkable achievements. We look forward to contributing to his innovative vision, which will undoubtedly benefit the intercollegiate athletics landscape and the success of our student-athletes."
The Utes enter their first season in the Big 12 in 2024-25 with significant momentum from some of the most successful years across the board in school history, as well as record-setting academic achievements under the leadership of Mark Harlan, who was recognized as a Cushman & Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year by NACDA in 2023.
"We are excited to officially join the Big 12 Conference and begin an incredible new era in Utah Athletics history," Harlan said. "We are joining a conference that has a bold vision and a drive for innovation under the leadership of Commissioner Yormark, and we look forward to playing a strong role in that growth and evolution. It is a great fit for us and for our fans. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop new traditions and compete with programs with passionate fan bases and rich history, and eager to introduce them to what makes Utah special."
The move was publicly announced on Aug. 4, 2023 and began a transition that marked the end of Utah's 13-year membership in the Pac-12 Conference. In its final three seasons in the conference Utah achieved unprecedented athletics success, highlighted by 18 conference championships, including two in football and back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances, along with two national championships in skiing and eight teams each year qualifying for either an NCAA Championships appearance or a bowl game, each tying the most in school history.You can't really know where you're going, until you know where you've been.#GoUtes | #GoBigGoUtes pic.twitter.com/dwAJeArFlE
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 2, 2024
HOW TO WATCH THE UTES ON BIG 12 NOW/ESPN+
Stay connected all season long with the Utes on ESPN+ ??????
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 2, 2024
More: https://t.co/f6IjegpNQw#GoUtes | #GoBigGoUtes pic.twitter.com/dytDjPTPqE
"As a former student-athlete, watching the University of Utah's rise to national prominence fills me with immense pride," said Stevenson Sylvester (Football, 2006-09), who was announced on July 10 as part of the first Big 12 Alumni Council in conference history. "Utah exemplifies the values of hard work, determination and a relentless grind. From its days in the Western Athletic Conference to its success in the Mountain West and the Pac-12, Utah has consistently stood tall and distinguished itself from the competition. As a proud Utah alumnus, I'm thrilled that with this move to the Big 12 we're joining a prominent and established conference, affirming that Utah is right where we belong. A 'Utah Man am I,' Go UTES!!!"
ABOUT THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE
What's next? We are.#GoUtes | #GoBigGoUtes pic.twitter.com/lO2YhEOgmP
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 2, 2024
Looking back at our storied history and looking forward to forging new moments??#GoUtes | #GoBigGoUtes pic.twitter.com/BPnNztPMeM
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 2, 2024
We are officially a member of the @Big12Conference today! Learn more about what we do and the mountains we climb here at the University of Utah. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/3rIMnm2BCm
— University of Utah (@UUtah) August 2, 2024
Go Big. Go Utes. ??#GoUtes | #GoBigGoUtes | @big12conference pic.twitter.com/zIwQATpW6L
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 2, 2024
Officially official. pic.twitter.com/pKtAqGb8Tm
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 2, 2024
LET'S GO!!!! ??????@Big12Conference | #GoBigGoUtes pic.twitter.com/QqXMprYIpC
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 2, 2024
We're still open for business... and business is booming. pic.twitter.com/7i7JgGc7ca
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 2, 2024
