The world of college football is in a state of flux, with conference realignment taking center stage yet again. As we enter July, the annual tradition of summer movement within the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) continues for the fifth year running. This ongoing saga began with the seismic shift of Texas and Oklahoma jumping ship from the Big 12 to the SEC back in 2021, and it's had a ripple effect across the entire landscape of college football, particularly within the Group of 5 conferences, now rebranded as the Group of 6.
The latest chapter in this realignment drama sees the Pac-12 making a bold comeback, adding a host of new members to its ranks. In total, 47 FBS schools have made official moves since the initial Texas-Oklahoma reveal, resulting in a significant expansion of the FBS to 138 teams, a remarkable increase from the 130 teams in 2021. This means that over a third of college football's top tier has undergone some form of realignment.
To bring you up to speed, let's delve into the key changes that have taken effect this month.
The Pac-12's Resurgence
The Pac-12, which had been in a state of crisis after losing 10 schools to other conferences in 2024, has staged an impressive comeback. Oregon State and Washington State, the remaining members, opted to partner with the Mountain West for football scheduling and various other leagues for other sports in 2024. This strategic move has paid off, as the Pac-12 has now added five Mountain West schools to its roster. This expansion has not been without its legal challenges, with lawsuits being filed and recently settled.
To meet the FBS requirement of having at least eight members, the Pac-12 has also welcomed Texas State from the Sun Belt. The league has implemented a 'flex' rematch game to close the regular season, ensuring that all teams play eight conference games. Additionally, basketball powerhouse Gonzaga is joining the Pac-12 as a member in all sports, despite not having a football program.
The Mountain West's Rebound
The Mountain West conference, which was on the brink of collapse following the Pac-12's departures, has managed to stabilize and strike back. By securing deals with Air Force and UNLV, the conference has retained key members. It has also added UTEP from Conference USA and brought Hawaii in as a full member, along with Northern Illinois as a football-only member. In a recent move, the Mountain West has also welcomed North Dakota State as a football-only member, thanks to a new NCAA rule change that allows immediate bowl eligibility for FCS transitions.
Conference USA's Ongoing Changes
Conference USA has been in a state of flux for the past five years, with membership changes occurring annually. This year, UTEP's departure to the Mountain West made sense geographically, and Louisiana Tech's subsequent announcement to join the Sun Belt led to another lawsuit, which was settled in time for the Bulldogs' move.
The Sun Belt's Geographic Focus
The Sun Belt conference has maintained its focus on a tight geographic footprint, adding Louisiana Tech to its roster and ensuring that its members are in close proximity. This strategic move strengthens the conference's regional identity.
The MAC's Western Expansion
The MAC has bid farewell to its westernmost program, Northern Illinois, which is leaving the conference for the second time. To fill the gap, the conference has welcomed Sacramento State, a team from California, for football. This move was made possible by the blueprint set by North Dakota State's transition, which included a significant payment to the Mountain West.
As we navigate these complex realignment moves, it's important to reflect on the broader implications. College football conferences are reshaping themselves to stay competitive and relevant, often at the expense of geographic proximity and historical rivalries. While these moves may bring about exciting new matchups and opportunities, they also raise questions about the future of college football's identity and the potential impact on fan engagement and loyalty.
In my opinion, the ongoing conference realignment saga is a fascinating case study in the evolution of sports leagues. It showcases the strategic thinking and adaptability required to stay afloat in a rapidly changing landscape. As an analyst, I find it intriguing to witness how these conferences are navigating the delicate balance between tradition and progress. The next few years will be crucial in determining the long-term success and sustainability of these realignment moves.
