Today, UCF students got the official word they had been waiting to hear for weeks – the Knights would join the Big East in all sports in 2013.
The Big East Conference extended an invitation not only to UCF, but also to Houston Cougars, Boise St. Broncos, San Diego St. Aztecs, and SMU Mustangs as new members of the conference.
Houston, UCF and SMU will join as full members while Boise State and San Diego State will join as football-only members.
In a statement Wednesday, the Big East Commissioner John Marinatto said, “the inclusion of these five great universities, which bring a unique blend of premier academics, top markets, strong athletics brands and outstanding competitive quality, marks the beginning of a new chapter in that evolution. We are proud to welcome these schools to the BIG EAST family.”
“This is truly a great day for the University of Central Florida,” UCF President John Hitt said. “… Academically and athletically, UCF and the Big East are great partners.”