Cincinnati, UCF, Houston to join Big 12 in 2023 after reaching deal with American Athletic Conference

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The University of Cincinnati, UCF and Houston will become members of a Power 5 conference in 2023 after the three schools reached an agreement with the American Athletic Conference Friday to join the Big 12 in 2023. 

Unlike in other instances of schools bolting for other conferences, it appears the American Athletic Conference and the three schools will end their relationships on good terms. 

Terry Mohajir, UCF vice president and director of athletics, speaks as UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright looks on during a news conference to announce UCF is joining the Big 12 Conference.  (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

"I would like to thank UCF President Alexander Cartwright, Cincinnati President Neville Pinto and Houston President Renu Khator — as well as Tulane President Michael Fitts, who is chair of our Board of Directors — for their efforts and leadership to arrive at a sensible resolution to the three schools’ departure from the conference," AAC commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement.  

USC’S LINCOLN RILEY RESPONDS TO RUMORS HE DODGED THE SEC

"All three institutions enjoyed tremendous success under the American Athletic Conference banner, and all three were instrumental in taking the conference to great heights, both athletically and academically. We wish them the best and look forward to having them compete in our conference in 2022-23."

In September 2021, the Big 12 announced the three schools and BYU would join the conference, following the news that Oklahoma and Texas would be leaving the conference for the SEC. BYU is also expected to join the Big 12 in 2023. 

Taze Moore (4) of