Over the past century, numerous colleges have altered their conference affiliations, but the frequency of these changes has surged recently as institutions seek greater stability and increased revenue within the competitive landscape of collegiate athletics.

In July and August, approximately a dozen schools officially shifted their affiliations, resulting in significant adjustments across all four major athletic conferences and leaving the Pac-12 with only two remaining teams—though this situation was not expected to last long. The changes persisted into the fall, as members from the Pac-12 began to migrate from the Mountain West Conference.

A retrospective look at football memberships within the Power Four and the Group of Five reveals the evolution from the establishment of the Big 12 in 1996.

**Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)**
In 1996, the ACC started with nine teams: Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, and Virginia. By 2023, the conference expanded to fourteen teams, including Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. Looking ahead to 2024, the ACC is set to further grow to seventeen teams by adding California, SMU, and Stanford.

**Big Ten Conference**
The Big Ten had eleven members in 1996, featuring schools like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Fast forward to 2023, and the member count rose to fourteen, with the additions of Maryland and Rutgers. Anticipating 2024, the conference plans to expand its roster to eighteen teams, incorporating newcomers such as Oregon, Southern California, and Washington.

**Big 12 Conference**
Initially composed of twelve teams in 1996, the Big 12 included schools like Oklahoma and Texas. In 2023, membership grew to fourteen by welcoming programs like BYU and Cincinnati. Looking onward to 2024, the Big 12 is set to increase its roster to sixteen, gaining Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado among others.

**Pac-12 Conference**
The Pac-12 began with ten schools in 1996, which included notable teams like USC and Stanford. By 2023, it had expanded to twelve, although projections for 2024 indicate a dramatic drop to just two remaining teams: Oregon State and Washington State. However, by 2026, the conference may attract additional teams, including Colorado State and San Diego State.

**Southeastern Conference (SEC)**
The SEC started with twelve teams in 1996, including powerhouses such as Alabama and Florida. By 2023, it had grown to fourteen members, with Texas A&M and Missouri joining the ranks. Expectations for 2024 foresee the SEC hosting sixteen teams, bringing on board Oklahoma and Texas.

**American Athletic Conference**
Inaugurating its first season in 2013 with ten schools, the American Athletic Conference has now expanded to fourteen members by 2023, featuring teams like Navy and Temple. The expected team count will remain at fourteen through 2024.

**Conference USA**
In 1996, Conference USA started with six teams, but by 2023 it had grown to nine. Projections for 2024 indicate an increase to ten teams, with further growth anticipated to eleven teams by 2025.

**Mid-American Conference**
With ten teams in 1996, the Mid-American Conference expanded to twelve by 2023 and is expected to reach thirteen teams by 2025.

**Mountain West Conference**
Originally formed with six members in the Big West in 1996, the Mountain West has undergone transformations, standing at twelve teams by 2024. By 2026, it is projected to include eight teams.

**Sun Belt Conference**
Beginning with seven teams in its first season of 2001, the Sun Belt anticipates expanding to fourteen teams by 2024, featuring schools such as Appalachian State and Georgia Southern.

**Independents**
In 1996, independent teams numbered eleven; this figure has dwindled to four by 2023. Projections for the coming years suggest a decrease to two independent teams by 2025.

As collegiate athletics continue to evolve, schools will likely keep seeking advantageous affiliations to enhance their programs and achieve financial sustainability.