How much did Oklahoma pay Big 12 to join SEC? Taking a closer look at Sooners' latest transition

The Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns are no longer members of the Big 12 and are now with the Southeastern Conference. However, they had to pay a handsome sum to make the move one year earlier than June 30, 2025.

According to ESPN, the Sooners and the Longhorns paid $100 million to leave one year earlier. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark discussed Oklahoma and Texas' decision to leave the Big 12 one year early.

"As I constantly stated, the conference would only agree to an early withdrawal if it was in our best interest for Oklahoma and Texas to depart before June 30, 2025. By reaching this agreement, we are now able to accelerate our new beginning as a 12-team league in earnest," Yormark said (h/t ESPN).

These moves helped both sides get to the positions they wanted to be in at the earliest possible time that made sense for them. It will be interesting to see how the schools and the Big 12 look heading into their new beginnings.

What should people expect out of the Oklahoma Sooners heading to the SEC?

The Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the biggest teams in conference realignment this offseason. However, heading into the SEC will be difficult for their football program. Below is their 2024 schedule, and it's easy to see the increased difficulty they will deal with.

8/30: vs. Temple Owls
9/7: vs. Houston Cougars
9/14: vs. Tulane Green Wave
9/21: vs. Tennessee Volunteers
9/28: at Auburn Tigers
10/12: vs. Texas Longhorns (Cotton Bowl)
10/19: vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
10/26: at Ole Miss Rebels
11/2: vs. Maine Black Bears
11/9: at Missouri Bears
11/23: vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
11/30: at LSU Tigers

The Oklahoma Sooners have a tougher path but should be viewed in a brighter light being in the SEC. The program should be able to hold its own. It will be interesting to see how the Sooners and the Longhorns do in their inaugural season in the SEC.