In a major shift for college sports, the landscape of conferences is rapidly changing, especially in the wake of the Pac-12 teams leaving for other leagues. The recent decisions by these programs have sparked a series of moves within the college football world, affecting not just the departing schools but also the Group of Five (G5) leagues.
On Tuesday, Northern Illinois University (NIU) made headlines by officially accepting an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, marking its departure from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). This move is primarily motivated by financial prospects, with NIU aiming for better media deals compared to what they experienced in the MAC. The Huskies, who have had success on the field with 13 bowl appearances since 2008, are opting for competition in a league that brings together teams from various time zones.
While the NIU’s shift might offer an increase in competitive exposure, it comes with logistical challenges, such as travel-related costs. The Mountain West, affected by its own losses to the Pac-12, is in search of teams to replenish its lineup after losing significant programs like Boise State and Colorado State.
The effects of the upheaval in the Pac-12 have also rippled through other conferences. Teams in the American Athletic Conference, including schools like Memphis and Tulane, have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the AAC, dashing hopes for the Pac-12 to recruit strong contenders from this league.
As schools adjust and realign, the remaining teams in the Pac-12, Washington State and Oregon State, face an uncertain future, leading to speculation about potential partnerships with other conferences. The Pac-12 now finds itself in a precarious position, lacking the necessary members to remain a viable conference.
Looking forward, the College Football Playoff (CFP) format will see changes, with new rules allowing the five highest-ranked conference champions automatic bids starting in 2024. This means that while G5 teams will still have a chance to participate, the previous guarantees for G5 representation have been reduced.
In summary, the college sports environment is continuously evolving, with conference realignment driven by financial factors creating both opportunities and challenges for teams and leagues alike.
