During this past summer, earth-shattering news broke that Oklahoma and Texas were dashing from the Big 12 to the SEC.
It turns out that move was a domino effect, not only for the Big 12, but for four other leagues, including the AAC, Conference USA, MAC and Sun Belt.
With constant moving parts and conferences that are in a state of flux, this will be your one-stop shop to follow everything related to college football conference realignment.
Domino No. 1: Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC
Domino No. 2: Big 12 Replaces Texas, OU with 4 New Schools
Domino No. 3: AAC Poaches 6 Teams from Conference USA
The schools are hoping to begin AAC play by 2023.
Domino No. 4: More Programs Flee Conference USA
James Madison (FCS) steps up in competition to join the budding Sun Belt Conference.
Domino No. 5: Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee Abandon Ship to Join MAC
The additions will give the MAC 14 total schools.
Domino No. 6: Conference USA Finally Adds Programs to Avoid Full Dissolution
FBS independents Liberty and New Mexico State and FCS members Jacksonville State and Sam Houston are the four schools.
Conference Realignment Summary:
American Athletic Conference
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Big XII Conference
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Conference USA
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Mid-American Conference
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Southeastern Conference
| None | |
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Sun Belt Conference
| None | |
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Obviously, these moves aren't going to have a significant impact right away. The dates are still up in the air for when certain schools are officially moving on from their current league.
Regardless, this creates an interesting future dynamic in terms of potential added travel, a lack of familiarity between opponents and recruiting.
