OU coach Lincoln Riley said he the and the Sooner leadership want the Bedlam series – in all sports – to continue when OU leaves the Big 12.

“It’s our hope that we can continue that because it has been a great game, a great matchup, a university, a program that we’ve got a lot of respect for and a lot of respect for the history of it as well, what it means to the state. Certainly, our intention and hope is that it can continue,” Riley said.

Money seems to be the primary focus for the departure but some speculate it will enhance recruiting for OU football.

“Again, it’s still out in the distance a little bit for us, so I think it’ll be a very positive thing when the time comes and we’ll certainly be part of the conversation with recruits that will and could potentially impact their careers,” Riley said. “At the same time, there’s still so much right here in front of us right now.

“I think all projections forward are very positive, but they’re projections and they’re down the line. Are we going to have that conversation? Yes, we’re going to have that conversation, but there’s still a lot here right now.”

OU and Texas could keep playing in the Big 12 for four more years if current contracts play out.

Those two teams could draw extra criticism from fans at away games because of the disloyal nature of the split.

“I can’t speak to other schools or fan bases,” Riley said. “Road games are always fun. They’re always hostile. We might (see more hostility) and if we do, then we do.

“I’m not gonna change our goal, our mission or what we’re there to do. We’re gonna try to be great members of this league as long as we’re a part of it.