TCU reportedly headed to Big East

TCU's days as a BCS buster appear to be coming to an end.

The Horned Frogs will be moving from the Mountain West Conference to the Big East Conference after the 2011-12 academic year, according to an unnamed source who spoke to the Associated Press.

Texas Christian University is scheduled make "a major announcement involving the TCU athletics program" at a press conference featuring athletic director Chris De Conte and university Chancellor Victor Boschini on Monday afternoon.

TCU finished its regular season 12-0 and is third in the BCS standings, the highest for a school from a conference without automatic access into the Bowl Championship Series. The Big East is one of the six conferences with an automatic BCS slot.

The Horned Frogs could gain a spot in the BCS championship game if No. 1 Auburn or No. 2 Oregon loses next weekend.

TCU was in the WAC from 1996 to 2000 and Conference USA from 2001 to 2004.

Check back later for coverage of TCU's press conference.

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: TCU Coach Gary Patterson is doused with Gatorade on Saturday. Credit: Eric Draper / Getty Images