With all the chaos of the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners bolting the Big 12 for the SEC, it's left other conferences scrambling and wondering what is to come next. One of those conferences that could be affected either via addition or subtraction, the AAC.

Recently, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby spoke with certainty when he claimed ESPN was working with other conferences to poach the rest of the Big 12. Many speculated he was referring to the AAC as one of those conferences.

“I have absolute certainty that they (ESPN) have been involved in manipulating other conferences to go after our members.”

On Wednesday, commissioner Mike Aresco of the AAC responded, via ESPN.

“Our conference (AAC) has never strategically aligned or plotted with ESPN to influence conference structures,” Aresco said during a virtual media day event. “We wouldn't do that, ESPN has never done that and would not do it. We do consult with our television and business partners on issues related to our conference; everyone does. But any suggestions or statements that we colluded with ESPN with regard to the structure of any other conference is a completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation, and that's all I really have to say about this at this point.”

What happens now as collateral damage to Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 is yet to be seen. Smaller conferences like the AAC could either add or subtract members depending on what the next move is for the Big 12. One thing is for sure and that is that this has caused plenty of chaos throughout college sports.