College Football Conferences Unite: Big Three Super Conferences Emerge
The landscape of college football is set to undergo a major transformation as three powerhouse conferences join forces and pave the way for the emergence of super conferences. Effective from the 2024 college football season, the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC will form a formidable alliance, comprising 50 schools across 30 states and spanning four different time zones. While the number of schools may increase in the future, the presence of these big three conferences signifies a seismic shift in the college football landscape.
The Big Ten, currently consisting of 14 teams, will expand further by adding four schools: Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. This move will create an 18-member conference spanning from New Brunswick, N.J., to Seattle, Washington. The sheer magnitude of this expansion positions the Big Ten as the largest conference in the nation. Not to be outdone, the Big 12 will also undergo significant changes, with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. Although the Big 12 will lose Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, its total count of schools will increase to 16, cementing its status as a major player. Speaking of the SEC, it will expand to 16 schools with the inclusion of the Sooners and Longhorns, further bolstering its stronghold in the college football landscape.
While these conferences solidify their super conference status, other conferences may also witness changes. The ACC, currently comprising 14 teams, has expressed interest in expansion. However, the limited options available due to recent realignments make it challenging for the conference to make substantial additions. Florida State, for example, might gravitate towards joining the SEC alongside rival Florida or explore other options such as the Big Ten. Nevertheless, the ACC must focus on retaining its existing membership amidst the shots fired from Tallahassee.
In the midst of these developments, all eyes turn to the iconic Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame, known for its independence and rich football tradition, aligned with the ACC in sports other than football and hockey. With their broadcast deal with NBC set to conclude after the 2025 season, speculation arises regarding their future alignment. Although there are no indications of a change in their independent status, the possibility of Notre Dame becoming a full-fledged member of the ACC or joining a potential fourth super conference cannot be ignored.
The Pac-12 conference is the most affected by these recent shifts, leaving only four schools – Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State. The future of these remaining schools remains uncertain. Will they be absorbed by the Mountain West or find new homes in the Big Ten or Big 12? Regardless of the outcome, the college football landscape will experience a drastic transformation, reducing the Football Bowl Subdivision to just nine conferences.
Looking ahead, it is increasingly likely that super conferences will dominate college football, with a potential Big Four alliance even forming. Such alliances may lead to the creation of their own playoff system and national championship games, excluding non-super conferences from the equation. While other conferences may continue to function independently or form their own governing bodies, they may find themselves relegated to second-class status.
As these changes continue to unfold, it remains crucial to address the repercussions on bowl tie-ins and the larger picture of the bowl season itself. The college football world is undergoing a profound transformation, with more changes anticipated in the future. With college football changing before our eyes, it is vital to adapt and embrace these developments as we witness the sport’s evolution into a super conference era.
