The biggest issue that fans and media from Big 12 Country seem to have with UCONN is simply that it is located in the state of Connecticut. On that basis and that basis only certain people are quick to dismiss The Huskies. If UCONN had the exact same football history but was located in Colorado, Mizzouri, Louisiana, or somewhere else within their sphere of influence, I believe people would be screaming from the mountaintops to add them yesterday.
JMO but if a vote was held to select 2 additions for The Big 12 from a group including UCONN, BYU, CINCY, Houston, UCF, USF, Temple, and Memphis based only on the academic/athletic merits of each school while withholding the schools' names, I suspect that UCONN would appear on 90% of ballots.
UCONN is the top academic option, top basketball option, and top all around AD. Football would struggle initially in The Big 12, but eventually would adjust and become a tough out. They also provide the most potential for financial return if a network ever becomes a reality. If sensible people act with The conference's best intentions at heart then UCONN will be in The Big 12. If 10 schools all act in their own self interests, there will probably be two add-ons, a CCG, and no network. OU and Kansas will be playing in The B1G, SEC, or PAC in 10 years.