Texas, Oklahoma take first steps towards leaving the Big 12

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Amid rumors of a possible departure from the Big 12, Texas and Oklahoma notified the conference that they will not be renewing their media contracts, which end in 2025. Essentially, the announcement makes the schools' intent to leave official.

However, the two are not fully guaranteed to still play in the conference until 2025.

In a statement on Monday morning both schools said, "Both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how to best position their athletics programs for the future."

Many expect the Longhorns and the Sooners to submit their official application to the SEC within the next few weeks. In order for the programs to join, 11 out of the Southeastern Conference's 14 presidents will need to agree on extending an invitation.

The move is leaving the Big 12 with just eight member schools, while the SEC would move up to 16.