College football notes: Big 12 says no to East Carolina, UNLV

East Carolina and UNLV are out of the Big 12's expansion derby.

Officials at both schools said Wednesday that they were notified by the Big 12 that they no longer are being considered for membership.

East Carolina spokesman Tom McClellan said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby notified Chancellor Cecil Staton of the league's decision Tuesday.

Athletic director Jeff Compher said it's "obviously not the decision we were hoping for" but expressed satisfaction that "we were able to tell our story to not only the Big 12 but the entire nation."

East Carolina is beginning its third season in the American Athletic Conference after winning two Conference USA championships in football in the 2000s.

UNLV President Len Jessup and athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy issued a statement later in the day to acknowledge the Rebels were no longer being considered. UNLV has been a member of the Mountain West Conference since 1990.

"As the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to change, ensuring UNLV is properly positioned and is a member of a conference that is the best fit for our university and community remains part of our long-term vision," the statement said.

The conference has not commented publicly on its plans nor has it committed to adding schools.

Bowlsby has put no timetable on the Big 12's decision, though he has said the conference would like to move quickly and not interfere with the football season. The presidents meet again in early October.

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