The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is undergoing significant changes for the 2024 college football season, sparking some disputes and controversies, particularly around its expansion and competitive structure. With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, the SEC has grown to 16 teams, making it one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
This expansion has raised concerns among other Power 5 conferences about the SEC’s increasing dominance, both athletically and financially. The revenue generated by the SEC in 2022-23 was already $852.6 million, a figure expected to grow with the inclusion of these two historic programs. Some argue that the imbalance of power could undermine competitiveness across the broader college football landscape.
In terms of scheduling, the SEC has decided to drop its divisional structure for the first time since 1991. Instead, the top two teams in the overall standings will meet in the SEC Championship game. This change has sparked debates, as critics worry that teams with strong records could miss out on the championship due to a lack of divisions and a complex six-step tiebreaker system.
Additionally, the SEC’s decision to maintain an eight-game conference schedule has been contentious. Some believe that this schedule does not adequately reflect the competitive rigor required in such a large and powerful conference, especially with teams like Texas and Oklahoma now in the mix. Others argue that more conference games would strain the athletes and diminish their chances to succeed in non-conference play.
These issues have made the SEC a focal point of discussion in college football as realignment reshapes the sport, with other conferences closely watching how the SEC manages its expanded footprint and evolving competitive format.