College football is going to look a lot different in 2024 because of conference realignment. The biggest change is that the Pac-12 will no longer be part of the game. Every Pac-12 team except for Washington State and Oregon State found a new home, and that new home for Utah football will be in the Big 12. The Utes are making the move this season, however, there were some recent rumors about the school moving to the ACC. Those rumors have now been shot down.
Utah football will be staying in the Big 12, at least for now. It was a bit surprising to see rumors about the Utes going to the ACC before they even played in the Big 12, but that's just how it goes in college sports these days. The original rumors stated that Utah could be exploring this deal because of the ESPN deal that the ACC has and how that could potentially lead to more TV value.
“Speculation is circulating about potential shifts in college sports conferences,” Dick Weiss said in a tweet. “There is discussion about Utah possibly moving to the ACC despite its recent move to the Big 12, with some suggesting the ACC might be a better fit due to its ESPN network agreement and potential for increased TV value. However, skepticism exists regarding the stability and attractiveness of the ACC compared to the Big 12.”
These rumors have been shut down as Utah athletics recently released a statement saying that any reports about them not joining the Big 12 were false.
“We are proud to be entering into membership in the Big 12 Conference in the coming months & excited to join our new colleagues and member institutions,” The statement ready. “A report over the weekend that suggested otherwise is completely fabricated & irresponsible.”
Conference realignment is changing the game
Utah football and their other athletic programs will be joining the Big 12, but still, who knows what the future holds for anyone. College athletics (college football specifically) are experiencing a lot of changes right now, and conference realignment is one of the biggest changes. Things are going to look a lot different next season, but a lot of experts believe that there will be shuffling in the future.
Next year, every conference will be different. The Pac-12 will obviously be gone as every school has left besides Washington State and Oregon State. Those two have a scheduling alliance with the Mountain West, but they aren't actually in the conference.
UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington will all be joining the Big Ten. Stanford and Cal are making the move over the ACC, and the rest of the schools will be moving to the Big 12.
The Big 12 will have a lot of Pac-12 schools next year, but they are also losing two of their biggest brands. Texas and Oklahoma will both be in the SEC next season.
With how things have gone so far, it looks like we are moving toward an era of the Big Ten and the SEC forming two super conferences.
Who knows what the future holds for Utah, but right now, their plans to move to the Big 12 have not changed, and they will not be making the move to the ACC.
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