I'm back for the first time in what seems like FOREVER (161 days) and we have a MASSIVE story developing across college football right now. Texas and Oklahoma have (allegedly) reached out to the SEC in order to join the most powerful conference in all of collegiate sports. This could have major repercussions across the college landscape, let's dive in.
First off, I can all but guarantee this is all about money and money only(Source: not being a dummy). With Texas and OU being the premier programs in the Big XII, they have nothing to worry about when it comes to competition. ESPN just agreed to a 10 year $300 million deal with the SEC for football and basketball rights while the Big XII has looked into reupping their deals with FOX and ESPN, which expire in 2025, with little to no positive effects. One thing to watch is the current deal that the Big XII is under: IF they decide to leave, Texas and OU will have to forgo any money they will be owed from this deal. But if it will even out, I guess who gives a damn right?
Next up, what to do with the current 14 teams? Currently split into two 7 team divisions, the conference would have to shake it all up with regards to divisions and scheduling. The main photo I have shows "pods" of four teams each that would be a possibility if these teams join.
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina
Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Vanderbilt
LSU, Miss. St, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
Arkansas, Mizzou, Oklahoma, Texas
The scheduling honestly may get easier for the conference, with each team hosting every team AT LEAST once every four seasons. Getting rid of the two divisions would be kind of nice, especially if these "pods" are evened out as best as possible and recruiting will spread even further for some of the "middle" teams such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Now does this happen? I have no effing clue. I kind of hope it does not just because there is so much change happening right now with the new NIL and such, it will overhaul everything even more. Plus, as a Kentucky fan, I don't want my schedule to be harder than it has to be as we continue to improve. What is likely? Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC and we remain the best conference in sports. Plus if we get Matthew McConnaughey? Well alright alright alright.