Since the latest round of realignment and media deals, there has been much discussion about every team in the ACC and Big 12 wanting to be in the Big Ten or SEC because of the higher revenue. However, the fans do not see any direct financial benefit. Their main concern remains whether their team wins on game day, and more money does not necessarily translate to more victories.
With major changes coming to college football in 2024, including larger conferences and an expanded College Football Playoff, fans across the country should be asking one question: Will these changes help our team win games?
For example, Oklahoma stands to make more money in the SEC than in the Big 12, but it also faces tougher competition for a national championship. On the other hand, Kansas State’s chances of making the CFP have improved due to the expanded Big 12 and the departure of Oklahoma and Texas.
It’s essential for fans to evaluate how these changes will impact their school’s success in the new landscape of college football.
To analyze this, I have assigned scores ranging from -5 to +5 to all 67 power-conference schools based solely on their potential to win, without considering their current coaching staff or roster. A score of 0 indicates no change, while scores from 1 to 5 suggest a positive impact and scores from -1 to -5 suggest a negative impact.
ACC
SMU: +5
SMU has been a big winner in recent realignment, moving up to the top leagues after decades of struggles. The momentum from their Top 25 finish last season bodes well for their future.
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(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos: Sam Wasson, Kevin C. Cox, Scott Taetsch, Brett Deering / Getty)