College football This season brings a distinct new landscape as conference realignment reshapes the collegiate sports scene nationwide.
The Pac-12 has been particularly active in driving these changes, but other significant changes are also taking shape for the upcoming season.
Here’s a comprehensive overview detailing the movements of teams at the Division I level (both FBS and FCS) and their new conference affiliations:
| SCHOOL | NEW CONFERENCE | OLD CONFERENCE |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Big 12 | Pac-12 |
| Arizona State | Big 12 | Pac-12 |
| Army | American | Independent (FBS) |
| Bryant | CAA | Big South-OVC |
| Cal | ACC | Pac-12 |
| Colorado | Big 12 | Pac-12 |
| Kennesaw State | Conference USA | Independent (FCS) |
| Mercyhurst | NEC | PSAC (DII) |
| Merrimack | Independent (FCS) | NEC |
| Oklahoma | SEC | Big 12 |
| Oregon | Big Ten | Pac-12 |
| Robert Morris | NEC | Big South-OVC |
| Sacred Heart | Independent (FCS) | NEC |
| Southern California | Big Ten | Pac-12 |
| SMU | ACC | American |
| Stanford | ACC | Pac-12 |
| Stephen F. Austin | Southland | United Athletic Conference |
| Texas | SEC | Big 12 |
| UCLA | Big Ten | Pac-12 |
| Utah | Big 12 | Pac-12 |
| Washington | Big Ten | Pac-12 |
| West Georgia | United Athletic Conference | Gulf South (DII) |
| Western Illinois | Big South-OVC | MVFC |
College football: The ACC’s recent move
The ACC’s recent move toward western expansion marks a significant shift in the dynamics of college football, which has diverged from its traditional East Coast roots. Prior to 2024, discussions rarely associated the ACC with initiatives in the West Coast arena, yet recent events have changed this narrative.
The expansion of the ACC included the addition of Stanford and California, both former members of the Pac-12, to SMU from the AAC. This strategic realignment underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, with the ACC now boasting a total of 18 members, equal to the Big Ten, and 17 active football programs (excluding Notre Dame, which remains independent in football). These changes highlight the conference’s bold moves towards increasing its competitive footprint across the country.
Big Ten admits four Pac-12 teams
The Big Ten’s offseason has seen significant changes reminiscent of its iconic “Maps” commercial, which has now expanded to four notable stops. Departing from its traditional opening in Omaha, Nebraska, the 30-second ad moved its opening scene further west to Seattle, Washington, home of the Huskies. This cinematic journey continues with Oregon, followed by Southern California (USC) and UCLA, highlighting the strategic expansion of the conference.
Meanwhile, the Big 12 also made waves during last year’s realignment cycle, bolstering its roster with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF. The conference continued its active approach by adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah, restoring Colorado from its previous move to the Pac-12 in 2011.
In a parallel move, the SEC secured Texas and Oklahoma, bolstering its ranks to a strong 16 teams and cementing its status as college football’s premier conference. However, the newcomers face a daunting path to success, highlighted by Texas’ matchups against 2023 national champions Michigan, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
These realignments underscore the dynamic changes reshaping the college football landscape, setting the stage for intense competition and strategic maneuvering between conferences to assert dominance in the sport.
College football Week 1 picks: the line too high for WKU vs. Alabama
Navigating each week of college football is like solving a thrilling puzzle, filled with opportunities to uncover victories for underdogs, spotting high and low scoring contests and choosing over/under bets that can affect the outcome.
My approach involves digging deep into the numbers, trends and insights that shape my decisions. However, before diving into matchups, it’s crucial to adhere to three key rules: never bet beyond your means, keep the experience enjoyable, and enjoy the excitement of game day.
Let’s dive into the Week 1 matchups. When scouting underdogs, I look beyond mere points to teams capable of outright victories. For example, Georgia Tech surprised Week 0 as a 10.5-point underdog, proving that early-season upsets are always on the table.
Here are three underdog teams poised to shine in Week 1:
- Coastal Carolina (+2.5) at Jacksonville State
Coastal Carolina boasts a formidable offensive line and a balanced attack, setting the stage for a strong start against Jacksonville State. With experienced players returning and strategic continuity, Coastal Carolina aims to capitalize on Jacksonville State’s roster changes. - Western Michigan (+24) at Miami
Western Michigan, bolstered by a revamped defense under new coordinator Scott Power, aims to challenge Miami. With key defensive players returning, Western Michigan seeks to capitalize on Miami’s transition and cover the spread. - James Madison at Charlotte (+6.5)
Charlotte, fortified by quarterback Max Brown’s arrival from Florida, looks to leverage his talents against James Madison’s rebuilding phase under new leadership. The spread reflects the Dukes’ vulnerabilities amidst program changes.
Additionally, analyzing the lowest and highest game totals of the week provides insights into market dynamics:
- Lowest total of Week 1: Miami (OH) at Northwestern, 39.5
Prediction: OVER 39.5
With experienced quarterbacks on both sides capable of dynamic plays, this matchup is poised to exceed expectations despite initial market indicators.
Navigating the nuances of college football betting requires meticulous analysis and a keen eye for emerging opportunities. As Week 1 unfolds, these insights will guide informed decisions and elevate the thrill of the game.
Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman makes a significant gesture by donating a substantial portion of his NIL earnings to support Sooners’ walk-ons
During a recent team meeting, Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman announced his intention to share a portion of his NIL earnings with the Sooners’ walk-ons, as a gesture of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. While the exact amount wasn’t disclosed, sources within the team described it as a “substantial” sum.
Stutsman’s decision holds particular significance given the context of college football’s vast financial landscape, where his own NIL valuation is estimated around $350,000 by On3. Despite this, Stutsman emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of every team member, especially those who might not always receive the spotlight.
“In this program, your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” Stutsman expressed during the meeting. “You guys are the backbone of this team, and I truly appreciate each one of you. I want to give back to you all because this team wouldn’t be the same without your dedication.”
Stutsman, who opted to return for the 2024 season despite NFL Draft considerations, remains a pivotal figure in the Sooners’ defense as they embark on their inaugural SEC campaign. His gesture underscores a deep bond with his teammates and a commitment to fostering unity within the Oklahoma football family.