College Football Realignment: Impacts on Rivalries and Conferences

The landscape of college football has been in a whirlwind of change, particularly over the past year, with many teams from the Pac-12 opting to leave the conference. This shift is largely driven by financial motivations and the allure of more lucrative media deals.

The movement has not only impacted the former Pac-12 teams but also sent ripples through the Group of Five conferences, creating challenges and opportunities for these leagues.

The teams that remain in the Pac-12 face limited choices but are exploring potential avenues to navigate their future in college sports.

As the realignment drama unfolds, it becomes evident that the economics of college football are evolving. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities for athletes is one such change that has significantly influenced this environment.

It has reshaped traditional revenue streams and presented new challenges and benefits for players and teams alike. This new era of NIL money brings a transformative element to college athletics, altering how conferences and programs operate. Understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the current and future state of college football.

Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State & San Diego State Join The Pac-12

In a significant shift, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and San Diego State will join the Pac-12 starting in the 2026 season. This decision could greatly influence the larger landscape of college sports, especially the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

With these additions, the Pac-12 aims to restore its roster to a level that qualifies it officially as a conference.

Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference, which is losing several top teams, will need to explore new options to maintain its standings. This exchange of teams is driven partly by the potential for the Pac-12 to secure a media deal surpassing that of the Mountain West.

Such a deal is crucial as it could significantly impact revenue distribution in college sports.

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The Pac-12, which once held a prominent position in the NCAA as an autonomous league, lost some of its influence. This change affected its entitlement to financial distributions from the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Now, regaining that stature and possibly restoring automatic qualifying spots for the CFP are essential goals for the Pac-12 as it restructures and expands, alignments that are crucial for its long-term competitiveness.

Reports: Utah State/Pac-12 Move Incoming

Utah State is set to become the newest member of the Pac-12, marking it as the fifth school from the Mountain West Conference to do so. Though Utah State has not publicly confirmed the move, legal documents suggest that the invitation has been extended and accepted.

This change could influence other Mountain West teams. UNLV and the Air Force Academy were among those originally committed to staying in the conference, but recent developments might lead them to reevaluate their positions.

Pac-12/Mountain West Legal Dispute

The Pac-12 Conference has ignited a significant legal battle by filing a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference. This legal action centers on what is referred to as “poaching penalties.”

These penalties might exceed $50 million, depending on how many Mountain West schools decide to transition to the Pac-12.

A separate fee of $17 million per school applies to those leaving the Mountain West. The Pac-12 is expected to cover some, if not all, of these charges.

This situation stems from a scheduling alliance created for the year, which included these contested penalties.

The core of the Pac-12’s lawsuit is an antitrust claim. They argue that due to the exodus of numerous member schools, the conference found itself with limited options.

With only a few months to finalize a schedule for the 2024 season, the Pac-12 asserts that this agreement was made under pressure, lacking better alternatives. This case highlights the complexities of college sports and conference alignments.

Pac-12 & Mountain West Do Not Continue Scheduling Deal Beyond 2024

The scheduling deal between the Mountain West and Pac-12 will not continue past 2024. The deadline to extend the agreement was September 1, but no new arrangement was reached.

Currently, Oregon State and Washington State are participating in a deal for the 2024 season, where teams from the Mountain West have scheduled seven games with their own members and one additional game with either Oregon State or Washington State.

Notably, both of these teams are not eligible to compete for the Mountain West Championship, despite paying the conference $14 million for their participation. This decision leaves both schools in search of new opportunities for scheduling beyond 2024.

Movement of Pac-12 Teams

In recent years, several key teams have transitioned from the Pac-12 to other conferences. USC and UCLA, along with Oregon and Washington, joined the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah moved to the Big 12. In another shift, Cal and Stanford opted for the ACC.

Which Teams Are Left in the Pac-2?

With significant changes in college sports, the conference once known as the Pac-12 is now represented solely by Washington State and Oregon State. These teams, now referred to as the Pac-2, remain after others like Stanford and Cal joined the ACC.

Despite an uncertain path ahead, Washington State and Oregon State have shown resilience, enjoying success last season and both securing spots in the AP Top 25 during that time. This shift marks a new era for these two remaining schools.

SMU, Stanford, and Cal Join ACC

In 2024, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This change is part of a larger trend of conference realignment in college sports.

Notably, these schools will not receive full revenue shares from the ACC for the first nine years in the league. This means that they will have to wait until 2033 to receive complete financial benefits.

SMU, previously part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) since 2013, successfully raised $100 million in merely a week. This substantial fundraising effort reflects the enthusiasm and commitment surrounding their move into the ACC.

Legal Battles of Clemson and Florida State Against the ACC

Clemson and Florida State have recently been engaged in legal disputes with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regarding crucial contractual elements. This conflict has highlighted concerns over the league’s grant of rights and potential ramifications for college sports.

Frustrations with Media Deals

Florida State has been notably critical of the ACC’s existing media agreements. The university argues that the current contracts do not offer sufficient financial returns compared to those secured by other leagues, such as the SEC and the Big Ten.

This disparity is underlined by the fact that these two conferences are expected to receive nearly double the income from the upcoming six-year College Football Playoff deal, running through 2031.

Mismanagement allegations have been made towards the ACC by Florida State, focusing on the league’s television agreement with ESPN. Furthermore, Florida State is pursuing a court ruling in Florida to determine the legality and enforceability of the ACC’s grant of rights.

Clemson’s Concerns and Challenges

Similarly, Clemson has raised questions about the legitimacy of the ACC’s grant of rights, particularly concerning the procedures for a school wishing to leave the conference. Both institutions are exploring their options concerning conference membership, including possible exits.

Potential Consequences for the ACC

If Clemson and Florida State manage to successfully separate from the ACC, it would likely have severe implications for the conference. They are two of the most influential members in college football within the ACC.

Their departure could accelerate a domino effect, prompting other schools to consider leaving as well, potentially resembling the fallout seen with the Pac-12.

Legal Developments and Possible Outcomes

The legal environment surrounding these issues is complex. Recently, a court issued a temporary restraining order against the University of North Carolina’s board of trustees.

This order restricts them from covering topics like finances or conference realignment during closed sessions. The legal proceedings add another layer of uncertainty to the situation.