Texas Tech statement indicates support for Houston in Big 12

Texas Tech expressed a measure of support for the University of Houston's Big 12 candidacy on Friday.

In a written statement emailed to the media, incoming university president Lawrence Schovanec said that Texas Tech "welcomes the consideration of the University of Houston" and values its "partnerships with UH."

Greg Fenves, the president of the University of Texas, issued a similar statement via Twitter on Thursday.

"As we look at opportunities for Big 12 expansion, I support considering @UHouston for the conference.

The Big 12's Board of Directors announced Tuesday that it had directed commissioner Bob Bowlsby to "actively evaluate" expansion. Houston is one of a handful of programs, along with BYU, Cincinnati and others, thought to be in play for a spot in the Big 12.

Houston has not been a member of a major conference since the dissolution of the Southwest Conference in 1996.