After speaking at the Texas High School Coaches Association’s Convention and Coaching School on Monday, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte met with reporters to discuss a variety of subjects. Here is a Q&A with him.
Have there been any discussions with incoming Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark about Texas leaving the Big 12 before July 1, 2025?
“I’ve had no meetings with them. I have yet to meet with him.”
Would you like to see UT leave early for the SEC?
“We’re in the Big 12. We’re going to honor our commitments where we’re at. Those things are all premature.”
What will be the impact of USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten on college athletics?
“Everyone is going to do what is best for their institution. I have no idea why they did what they did. But I understand that it’s an ever-changing landscape. It’s always been this way. I look back at TCU (where he was at before Texas). We had five moves before we joined the Big 12. There are constant changes happening. It will settle, and then it will continue to move on.”
Is there a logical next step for the Big 12 to take in realignment beyond adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF?
“Those are discussions above my pay grade. I’ve had no interactions with those discussions.”
How does the Big 12 look now with bringing in those four schools?
“I’m just solely focused on this year. What you’re asking is to looks at something two to three years down the road. I know they added great teams. BYU is a phenomenal football program. Cincinnati, they’ve had a [great] run.”
Your thoughts on Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy “jokingly” saying that Texas and Oklahoma should no longer be allowed to take part in Big 12 business meetings.
“I understand coaches. They’ve got to wear that emotion on their sleeves. Coach Gundy is an incredible human being, and what a great coach and program he has built at Oklahoma State. But I get it.”
How optimistic are you about UT’s football team this season?
“I’m excited [about] what can happen. We’ve got 35, 36 new players. We had great momentum [last year] at times, but we didn’t have the depth. I’m excited to see what we’re going to do. We know Rome wasn’t built overnight. [Coach] Steve [Sarkisian], the culture that he is instilling, the people that we have, it’s been pretty awesome to watch.”
Do you have any insight into the quarterback battle between Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card and who might be the starter?
“I have no idea.”
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