Well, folks, college football is on fire. Everything we knew about the sport is up in flames right now as programs from all over the country are aiming to ignore their geographical standing and step up to the big leagues to join the SEC. Beyond just the recruiting dominance, the traditions of schools like the Mississippi State (everything needs more cowbell), Alabama (the Walk of Champions is the second-best walk in the state), and Auburn football programs (Tiger Walks, Rolling Toomer’s Corner, War Damn Eagle) adds unmatched character to Saturdays.
It’s understandable that Big Ten schools want to make more money with matchups against the most passionate college towns and cities in the United States.
Especially with Austin, Texas, and Norman, Oklahoma, now getting their piece of the pie likely starting in 2025.
There’s a power shift in college football, and Florida State, Clemson, Michigan, and Ohio State now want their piece of the SEC pie.
If this happens–and it’s not concrete like OU and UT are, but there’s certainly smoke–we could see even more realignment in the future.
Fly War Eagle believes these 3 realignments make the most sense if the SEC expands to 20 teams:
#3 best scenario for 20-team SEC realignment: West division (Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Missouri football), North division (Michigan, Ohio State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt football) Central division (Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State football), East division (Clemson, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia football), South division (Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Auburn football)
This would be some gauntlet for the Tigers year in and year out, with the South division being arguably the most competitive. While FSU is a built-in rivalry due to the 2013 BCS National Championship and the Iron Bowl is the Iron Bowl, gaining a Gators rivalry and a yearly trip to Gainesville for Auburn football is good for business.