Reports have begun to surface that Texas and the Big Ten have entered into preliminary talks regarding the program's possible move to the traditionally Midwest conference.

It's no secret that the Big Ten has been pondering an expansion to reach twelve teams, but nobody ever dreamed that their 12th team would be such a monster of a football program like the Longhorns. Notre Dame was thought to be the biggest fish considered, but the Irish have made it clear that independence is their prerogative.

Adding a 12th member to their 11 member conference would allow the Big Ten to divide into two six-team divisions and hold an annual conference championship game. If something actually comes of these talks, it could have an astronomical impact on the college football world.

Not only would the Big Ten welcome a new program ripe with tradition and viewership to go along with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, etc., but the Big 12 would be without their marquee program. Texas has finished in the AP top 25 every single year this decade and the top 5 for half of the decade. No Texas would mean a huge economic pitfall for the Big 12. And don't forget about Texas' annual rivalry with Oklahoma.

By the way, Colorado is rumored to be Pac-10-bound, so take that again, Big 12! Of course, that's completely speculative and the Pac-10's copycat expansion wishes are nothing but a rumor at this point.

Money and exposure are the big reason for the Big Ten's expansion efforts. As of now, with no conference championship, the Big Ten is off the map from the third week of November until the bowl games finally start about midway through December. A conference championship would keep the Big Ten on the map all season long.

Of course, the extra exposure would lead to more money, so cash is the real end game here...obviously. Imagine the money a Texas would bring into the conference. Sure travel would be a bit of a headache, but most would agree that it's well worth the sacrifice.

Consider this: Had Texas played in the Big Ten this season and a conference championship game were in place, Penn State would likely have been excluded in favor of Ohio State and Texas. Quite a parallel with the SEC's situation the last couple seasons with an Alabama/Florida championship and a very strong LSU team excluded.

At this point, nothing is set in stone. The Big Ten's efforts at expansion will likely last through the year, so try not to get too excited just yet.

It sure is fun to speculate though; especially when you consider whether the Big Ten would supplant the SEC as the most powerful conference in the nation should the whole Texas thing eventually work out. Chew on that one for a while.

The college football season is over; withdrawals, depression, misery. Before you slip into an apathetic stupor for eight months, remember that the NFL Draft is just around the corner! From now until April's NFL Draft, I will be profiling some of the more interesting prospects. I can't promise that I'll get to your favorite player, but if you'd like to see a certain player profiled, shoot us an email and let us know. - Danny Hobrock

Danny is a sports journalist primarily covering college football and professional baseball. His work for Xtra Point Football has garnered national attention and is critically acclaimed. Danny is the former editor of a political and current events website and the editor of our college football content.

For complete coverage of this Year's NFL Draft, check out our complete series of NFL Draft Prospects Profiles with more being added each week:

• NFL Draft Prospects: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida Gators
• NFL Draft Prospects: Jordan Shipley, Wide Receiver, Texas Longhorns
• NFL Draft Prospects: Dexter McCluster, Running Back, Ole' Miss Rebels
• NFL Draft Prospects: C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers
• NFL Draft Prospects: Aaron Hernandez, Tight End, Florida Gators
• NFL Draft Prospects: Terrence Cody, Defensive Tackle, Alabama Crimson Tide

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