The inevitable defection of Texas Christian to the Big 12 conference has left the Big East with just six members in football and a sense of uncertainly about its future in that sport. The league’s presidents will be holding a conference call on Friday morning to discuss expansion possibilities. While nothing is guaranteed, three people with knowledge of the call have indicated that invitations to new members will be discussed and could be decided on the call.

The Big East is staggering right now, as only Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Rutgers, Connecticut and South Florida remain in football. The league had appeared determined to lure Air Force and Navy, but those possibilities diminished with the instability that came with the news of T.C.U.’s departure to the Big 12. But East Carolina, Central Florida and Temple are all clamoring for a spot, and that could strengthen the league’s dwindling numbers. The Big East lost both Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the Atlantic Coast Conference last month.