August 15, 2011

Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel

The Texas House Committee on Higher Education has cancelled a hearing for Tuesday that was to discuss the future of Texas A&M and its possible move to the SEC.

The delay comes on the heels of the SEC’s statement on Sunday that it was pleased with its current 12-member configuration but left the door open for future discussions on expansion that could include the Aggies.

Rep. Dan Branch, who is the chairman of the committee, said the SEC’s decision put the current discussion on hold for the time being.

“While events may continue to evolve in the coming weeks, at this time, there is no immediate need to evaluate the merits of an athletic conference reconfiguration involving Texas A&M University and, potentially, other Texas public universities,” Branch said in a statement released Monday afternoon. “If the current situation changes, our committee is prepared to convene.”

Texas A&M’s board of regents were meeting Monday afternoon to discuss conference realignment despite the recent move by the SEC.