This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

When it comes to Big 12 expansion talk, an old Elton John song (1982) and a famous 1929 anti-war novel by Eric Maria Remarque certainly applies as of late.

All Quiet on the Western Front.

That appears to be the case at the westernmost candidate hoping to hear its name called by Big 12 presidents, BYU.

Sources say BYU signed a non-disclosure notice before the Big 12's interview process began last month, and school officials are hell-bent on keeping it that way.

Mum is the word in Provo.

So, where is the process right now?

Nobody seems to know except those 10 Big 12 presidents, and commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

The Dallas Morning News reported late last week that the interviews, video chats, etc., have been completed — up to 20 schools had their hats in the ring, reportedly — "and now the conference is getting closer to the hard decisions about expansion."

Those of us who were hoping a decision would be made before the college football season starts are probably out of luck.

The DMN reports that its "industry sources" have indicated an announcement is "unlikely" in the next two weeks.

The likely timeline is between mid-September and mid-October, and before a scheduled Big 12 board of directors (presidents) meeting in late October.

An article in the DMN last Friday concurs with Iowa State president Steven Leath, who has said that BYU is generating the most comments — for and against — than any school out there. The newspaper also confirmed that BYU, Cincinnati and Houston are seen as the three leading candidates, in any order.

"And a possible tweaking of the school's honor code may also be necessary to address Title IX concerns," two sources reportedly told the Dallas daily.

BYU announced Monday in a school news release that its Advisory Council on Campus Response to Sexual Assault is "preparing a final report with recommendations that will be sent" to President Kevin Worthen and the President's Council.

The school has come under fire recently for the way the Honor Code office handles reports of sexual assaults in regards to the victims and their standing within the school.