Realignment Megathread (All The Moves)

[Jer]

I HAD been in favor of Oregon to the Big10, as it would obviously destabilize the PAC 12 and make the big 12 clear # 3. However, I've changed my stance on this.

We need to drag out the current state of college football as along as possible, because once it goes to the next model (NFL like), we won't be a part of it. Once all the powers join either the big 10 or SEC, it is over.

The Big 10 and SEC are already at another level with their money and media. That isn’t rolling back.

There will be further movement, but we’re just vying for the 3rd place (and really second tier) conference at this point. Anything else is a pipe dream people tell themselves.

Personally, I’m fine with being the 3rd conference as I think we fit better financially and competitively with those peers.

 

[isucy86]

I HAD been in favor of Oregon to the Big10, as it would obviously destabilize the PAC 12 and make the big 12 clear # 3. However, I've changed my stance on this.

We need to drag out the current state of college football as along as possible, because once it goes to the next model (NFL like), we won't be a part of it. Once all the powers join either the big 10 or SEC, it is over.

IMO that is too fatalistic of an approach.

Last year an AAC team Cincinnati got a berth in a 4 team playoff. It wasn't a 1 year blip, the prior year they almost beat Georgia (#7) in the Peach Bowl.

Also with NIL and "paid players" playing time as a freshman or sophomore might be more important than going to an Alabama or Ohio State and backing up another 4 or 5 star for a couple years.

As much as we focus on the substantial $ differences between the Big10/SEC and Big12, Pac12 and ACC from a media rights perspective. The overall AD dollar differences are much bigger between an Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Texas and A&M vs. the Rutgers, Maryland, Vanderbilt and Mississippi States.

So if the Big12 and portions of ACC or Pac12 can be relegated in 2025, then about half of the Big10 and SEC could be relegated in 2036. I think the SEC and Big10 understand the danger of making CFB a sport supported by fans of 40-48 schools. Wheras, they can keep CFB as a sport supported by 70 schools fanbases, but the playing field is slanted the Big10 & SEC's way.

 

[scyclonekid]

Being 3rd best would still be awesome. Yeah we won’t have the money of the other two, but still financially stable to carry on and we always show up and that’s never gonna change.

 

[iahawks]

Too much smoke with Oregon. Is it Oregon/Stanford, Oregon/Wa, ore/wa/cal/stan?

All of the smoke is coming from Oregon though. I don't think they are a take right now. Big 10 is still going to wait out ND a little bit more I believe and also wait on the ACC too.

 

[mj4cy]

All of the smoke is coming from Oregon though. I don't think they are a take right now. Big 10 is still going to wait out ND a little bit more I believe and also wait on the ACC too.

Even if they take Oregon how is that not a clear message they're seen as a lesser than UCLA/USC...just seems odd.

 

[BCClone]

Even if they take Oregon how is that not a clear message they're seen as a lesser than UCLA/USC...just seems odd.

Does it matter, they probably see themselves as a less established OSU and Penn state. Guessing they see themselves on the Wisconsin level at minimum.

 

[Gonzo]

Even if they take Oregon how is that not a clear message they're seen as a lesser than UCLA/USC...just seems odd.

Hopefully they realize that they are lesser than USC in terms of brand and market. UCLA is a tagalong to strengthen SoCal market and preserve historic cross-town rivalry. I think UO is the next best available option and after that IMO it's a coin toss between UW and Stanford. If Stanford greases the wheel for ND then I'd lean that way but I don't see ND joining anytime soon regardless.

 

[20eyes]

Hopefully they realize that they are lesser than USC in terms of brand and market. UCLA is a tagalong to strengthen SoCal market and preserve historic cross-town rivalry. I think UO is the next best available option and after that IMO it's a coin toss between UW and Stanford. If Stanford greases the wheel for ND then I'd lean that way but I don't see ND joining anytime soon regardless.

If UDub isn't the clear #3, they have really fallen from their historical perch.

 

[Cyforce]

If this is true, I imagine it'd be a quick discussion. I would think the Big 10 knows the value Oregon would bring to its conference. It's really if the Big 10 wants them or not at this point. I think the Big 10's sights are on the ACC.

If Oregon goes w/o Washington this could be a huge win for the Big 12. Washington, Arizona, BYU, Colorado gives us a nice footprint in the west. Then wait for the powers to dismantle the ACC then swoop in grab Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech plus one more and suddenly we have a formidable presence in the east as well.

 

[Hoggins]

Even if they take Oregon how is that not a clear message they're seen as a lesser than UCLA/USC...just seems odd.

I think it’s a play to get Cal/Stanford/OU/UW to take lower shares. They can put them on like a 5 year plan and by the time they get a full share, it’s time to renegotiate.

Big 10 can’t do that with the LA schools because they are the biggest boost to the current deal and schools

 

[LLCoolCY]

Being 3rd best would still be awesome. Yeah we won’t have the money of the other two, but still financially stable to carry on and we always show up and that’s never gonna change.

Awesome maybe a bit strong but it is the best situation that ISU can realistic be in right now. Basically every school not in the SEC/B1G is in survival mode right now. Being the 3rd highest paid conference will help the ISU brand and allow JP to be competitive in coach salaries and in facilities upgrades above the ACC/PAC10/AAC etc. This will allow for the B12 schools to be in the best position to be attractive adds when/if the SEC/Big10 expand. I truely the long end game is the best programs break from the NCAA at a number 64? 72? and then can make their own rules and March Madness tourney. The key is for ISU to build on where our programs have come from just 10-15 years ago and be considered worthy of being in that top 64. Getting the 3rd most money per conference and on ESPN/FOX regularly is needed for the next 10 years to set that up (even if the money is half that of the Big10).

 

[exCyDing]

I HAD been in favor of Oregon to the Big10, as it would obviously destabilize the PAC 12 and make the big 12 clear # 3. However, I've changed my stance on this.

We need to drag out the current state of college football as along as possible, because once it goes to the next model (NFL like), we won't be a part of it. Once all the powers join either the big 10 or SEC, it is over.

That's going to happen before the 2036 season if the PAC breaks apart this year or after their next media deal. The ACC GOR is the only thing standing in the way of it going full blown. It sure doesn't seem like there's a way around it.

That said, the sooner the PAC dissolves the sooner the Big XII can make moves to solidify itself as the #3 conference.

 

[CyclonimusPrime]

Mo money...mo problems. If it was just about revenue, Texas would be an absolute giant. Instead, they are the paperist of tigers.

 

[cyclonepower]

If Oregon goes w/o Washington this could be a huge win for the Big 12. Washington, Arizona, BYU, Colorado gives us a nice footprint in the west. Then wait for the powers to dismantle the ACC then swoop in grab Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech plus one more and suddenly we have a formidable presence in the east as well.

IMO Washington is a pipe dream they want no part of the b12 and will do everything possible to not end up here, heck most of the corner 4 don’t want to be part of it

 

[Gonzo]

If UDub isn't the clear #3, they have really fallen from their historical perch.

UW would be a better partner for UO for sure. Stanford's HC was on Finebaum last week kind of bad mouthing the USC/UCLA move, so it'd be some fun awkward if Stanford were invited and accepted.

 

[SEIOWA CLONE]

All of the smoke is coming from Oregon though. I don't think they are a take right now. Big 10 is still going to wait out ND a little bit more I believe and also wait on the ACC too.

Oregon wants to move along with USC and UCLA, but the B10 is in no hurry to continue adding new teams. Every year they put off expanding, is one more year the ACC GOR comes closer to ending. The B10 is the one with leverage here, what is Oregon going to do, start posting like Houston fans have been doing for years, "B12 you better grab UH before the SEC or P12 does to get into that Houston market and into Texas."

It was a load of crap then and it's a load of crap now from Oregon, they are going nowhere unless they are left out of the B10 and forced to move to the B12 when the 4 corner schools move.

 

[aeroclone]

IMO Washington is a pipe dream they want no part of the b12 and will do everything possible to not end up here, heck most of the corner 4 don’t want to be part of it

First off, if any more Pac schools leave then UW really doesn't have a choice, they basically have to move. Second, they wouldn't be joining the B12 as it is today, they would be joining the future B12 which will likely include several Pac and ACC schools in addition to who is here now.

 

[KnappShack]

 

[BCClone]

This dude is going to get locked out by the PAC if he keeps exposing them.

 

[Cyforce]

IMO Washington is a pipe dream they want no part of the b12 and will do everything possible to not end up here, heck most of the corner 4 don’t want to be part of it

Washington has stayed silent. To me that nears they are waiting to see how things play out. If Oregon leaves and they don't get an offer to the BiG I don't see them not being pro active.