Throughout the past century, numerous schools have shifted their conference affiliations, with the frequency of these changes notably increasing as institutions aim for enhanced stability and revenue amid the competitive world of college athletics.
In recent months, specifically July and August, twelve additional schools made the leap to new affiliations, influencing the composition of all major conferences. This flurry of activity has left the Pac-12 with only two remaining member teams, although this is expected to change soon. The reshuffling extended into the fall season with the Pac-12 successfully acquiring teams from the Mountain West conference.
An overview of football memberships in the Power Four and Group of Five conferences reflects changes that trace back to the establishment of the Big 12 in 1996:
**Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)**
Initially, in 1996, the ACC counted nine member teams: Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, and Virginia. As of 2023, its membership increased to fourteen with the addition of Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. Prospectively in 2024, the conference is set to expand to seventeen teams, incorporating California, SMU, and Stanford.
**Big Ten Conference**
Starting from eleven teams in 1996, the Big Ten now includes fourteen institutions by 2023. Among them are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. The projected membership for 2024 will rise to eighteen with the introduction of Oregon, Southern California, and Washington.
**Big 12 Conference**
The inception of the Big 12 in 1996 featured twelve teams including Baylor, Colorado, and Texas. As of 2023, the roster has changed to fourteen teams, which features BYU, Cincinnati, Central Florida, and Houston. By 2024, the conference is expected to expand to sixteen teams, welcoming Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah among others.
**Pac-12 Conference**
The Pac-12 began with ten members in 1996, including notable teams such as Arizona, California, and USC. Presently, there are twelve teams, but by 2024, only Oregon State and Washington State are confirmed to remain. Further, there’s expansion anticipated in 2026, including teams like Boise State and San Diego State.
**Southeastern Conference (SEC)**
In 1996, the SEC launched with twelve teams including Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It has since grown to fourteen as of 2023, adding Missouri and Texas A&M. By 2024, the SEC’s membership will rise to sixteen with the addition of Oklahoma alongside the already existing teams.
**American Athletic Conference**
Originally starting with ten teams in 2013, today, the American Athletic Conference boasts fourteen members as of 2023, consisting of schools like Memphis and Navy, remaining unchanged as of 2024.
**Conference USA**
From six teams in 1996, Conference USA has expanded to nine by 2023, with plans to add a tenth team in 2024.
**Mid-American Conference (MAC)**
The MAC has evolved from ten teams in 1996 to twelve in 2023, with future adjustments likely to include additional teams by 2025 and 2026.
**Mountain West Conference**
Initially part of the Big West and WAC in 1996, the Mountain West is projected to stabilize to eleven teams by 2026, expanding its roster significantly to accommodate changes.
**Sun Belt Conference**
Starting with seven members in its first season of 2001, the Sun Belt is anticipated to grow to fourteen teams by 2024, showcasing regional competitiveness.
**Independents**
In 1996, there were eleven independent teams. By 2023, this number has dwindled to four, with Connecticut and Massachusetts scheduled to continue their independent status through 2025.
The ongoing evolution of conference alignments reflects the dynamic nature of college sports, as institutions seek the best fit for their athletic and financial ambitions. The landscape is set to change further, creating new rivalries and opportunities for student athletes across the nation.
