Texas A&M Will Join the SEC in 2012

After weeks of rumors, Texas A&M is set to leave the Big 12 and to join the SEC, the league said on Sunday. The move will go into effect next July.

“We are excited to begin competition in the nation’s premier athletic conference,” Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin said in a statement.

Since the move brings the SEC to a total of 13 schools, this might signal another move to come to round out the conference, which could include either Missouri or West Virginia. At the same time, expect the Big 12 to be looking to fill its vacated spot.

[Associated Press]