With North Dakota State Bison's recent move to the Mountain West Conference, it's a prime moment to delve into the seismic shifts in college sports realignment.
We've seen some wild conference changes lately. The Big Ten's expansion to the West Coast, bringing in four former Pac-12 schools, and the ACC's similar move with two additions, are just the tip of the iceberg. The MAC's inclusion of the Sacramento State Hornets and the Mountain West's addition of Northern Illinois Huskies also stand out.
Interestingly, North Dakota State's shift to the Mountain West feels like a natural fit. It's a move that aligns well with the conference's geographical and competitive identity. Meanwhile, the SEC has been busy too, bringing Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners into the fold.
These moves are often driven by the allure of television markets and strategic positioning rather than traditional geography. For instance, Sacramento State's nearest conference rival in the MAC is a staggering 2,177 miles away at Western Michigan.
The ACC stretched its reach to the Pacific by adding Cal and Stanford, while the Big Ten embraced the West Coast with Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. Even the Mountain West, in its quest to fill gaps, crossed the Mississippi to include Northern Illinois as a football-only member.
Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC might seem geographically odd, but they bring significant clout. While not traditionally "Southeast," these states have their own unique ties to the broader Southern identity.
The SEC's willingness to expand its borders shows its ambition and adaptability. If powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, or Notre Dame ever showed interest, the SEC would likely welcome them with open arms.
Looking ahead, keep an eye on potential expansions into North Carolina and Virginia. The SEC's mantra, "It Just Means More," could soon resonate in these markets as well.