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College Football Conference Realignment for 2024
College football in 2024 is set to undergo significant changes with a new 12-team playoff format and multiple teams moving to new conferences. To help you navigate these changes, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the conference realignment scheduled to take place this fall, encompassing various conferences from the ACC to the Sun Belt.
ACC
The ACC will expand to 17 schools in the 2024-25 season by adding Cal, SMU, and Stanford. The conference’s lineup for 2023 included teams like Boston College, Clemson, and Florida State. The addition of new schools aims to enhance competition within the ACC.
Big Ten
The Big Ten will grow to 18 schools with the inclusion of Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington. These additions are expected to bring a new level of competition to the conference, which previously featured teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
Big 12
The Big 12 will undergo substantial changes, expanding to 16 schools by welcoming Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. However, the conference will bid farewell to Oklahoma and Texas, who are set to depart for other conferences, reshaping the landscape of college football.
Pac-12
The Pac-12, now dubbed the “Pac-2,” will retain only two schools for the upcoming season, Oregon State and Washington State. This shift will lead to a modified scheduling approach, with these two teams facing off against Mountain West schools to complete their seasons.
SEC
The SEC will grow to 16 teams by adding powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas. This move is expected to elevate the level of competition within the conference, as traditional SEC teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU prepare to face off against the newcomers.
AAC
The AAC will maintain its lineup of 14 teams, with the addition of Army offsetting the departure of SMU. This adjustment aims to strengthen the conference and provide new opportunities for competition among schools like Memphis, Navy, and Temple.
Conference USA
Conference USA will consist of 10 teams in the upcoming season, with the addition of Kennesaw State. This change is part of a broader realignment strategy aimed at optimizing the competitive balance within the conference.
Mid-American Conference
The MAC will retain its current lineup of 12 teams for the 2024-25 season, with no changes expected. Teams like Akron, Toledo, and Western Michigan will continue to compete in the conference, showcasing their talent on the field.
Mountain West
The Mountain West will maintain its 12-team structure but will face a unique scheduling scenario, playing a total of 15 combined games against Oregon State and Washington State. This arrangement is designed to foster inter-conference competition and showcase the talent within the Mountain West.
Sun Belt
The Sun Belt will retain its 14-team lineup for the upcoming season, with schools like Appalachian State, Louisiana, and Troy continuing to compete in the conference. The stability of the Sun Belt aims to provide a consistent platform for competition and player development.
With these conference realignments, college football in 2024 promises to deliver an exciting and competitive season, showcasing the talent and dedication of student-athletes across the country.
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