Texas Projected To Reunite With Former Big 12 Foes In Next Wave Of SEC Expansion
Prior to the 2023 season, it was the Pac-12 that seemed to be having an involuntary going-out-of-business sale with 10 teams leaving the conference, and now all eyes are turning to the ACC.
The conference was already viewed as fragile, but with Florida State and a couple of other programs expected to be working on a way out, the realignment isn't done yet. The overwhelming expectation by most around the country is that we are working our way to a two-conference super league consisting of the Big Ten and the SEC.
On3's Andy Staples recently projected how that would look, which saw Texas reunite with a couple of familiar names.
![The SEC logo in orange and blue colors is painted on the field before the game between the Florida Gators and Arkansas Razorbacks at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 4, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://www.si.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MjA0ODM4MTk5OTQyNDU2OTI2/usatsi_21814695.jpg)
SEC Logo at Florida
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
The way Staples sees it, the Big Ten and the SEC will be working together despite rivaling media conglomerates at the helm of each. He explained that the best way to split the two up is to have two 24-team conferences, totaling 48 schools for this specific exercise. Using this number, current SEC and Big Ten teams, and incorporating teams from around the country he created divisions within the conferences.
The Longhorns remained in the SEC and were joined by two other current SEC members, and three programs that are currently stuck in the Big 12. In what Staples tabbed to be the "Southwest" division, was Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State.
As Staples explained it, this will bring back some heated rivalries that are being left behind, and also make sure that some of the bigger brands that aren't currently in the Power 2 are included. In terms of how the postseason would go down, his explanation was interesting, to say the least.
"A three-round, eight-team tournament in each league would feature the four division winners and the four teams with the next-best records. The SEC could play the first two rounds on campus and crown its champion in Atlanta (or New Orleans, or Houston, or wherever). The Big Ten could play its first two rounds at home and crown its champion in Indianapolis (or Los Angeles or wherever). Then the champions of each league would meet at a neutral site and play for the national title," wrote Staples.
This would obviously be a blow to all college football programs not included in the 48, and would certainly eradicate the importance of Group of Five programs. It would be a shame to see college football head down this path, but the Big Ten and the SEC hold all the cards and can virtually do whatever they want.
