The Decline of Meaningful Non-Conference Games in College Football
What really sets college football apart—some might even say it makes it better than the NFL—are the meaningful big games. The blend of a short regular season, a relatively small playoff field, deep-rooted rivalries, and the traditional regional conferences brings a unique flavor to the sport. Fans tune in not just for the stakes, but to support their teams and conferences, making those historic non-conference clashes essential viewing.
Unfortunately, as the structure of college football continues to evolve, these significant non-conference matchups are becoming increasingly rare. This trend goes against what many college football enthusiasts desire.
The introduction of a 12-team College Football Playoff has created incentives to schedule less challenging games. Notre Dame offers a prime example. Historically, they’ve been known for taking on tough opponents, being an independent team. However, a recent agreement with the College Football Playoff Committee now assures them a playoff spot as long as they finish in the top 12.
The upcoming schedule paints a picture of this shift. For instance, schools like the University of Wisconsin are lining up matchups that seem tailor-made to secure a winning record. Their schedule looks like a path to achieving 10-11 wins, which could guarantee a place in December’s top 12.
Meanwhile, Texas is facing a daunting lineup: Texas State, Ohio State, UTSA, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and others. Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed dissatisfaction after a 9-3 season that didn’t secure a playoff berth. He even hinted at reconsidering the scheduling of tough non-conference opponents, like Ohio State, moving forward.
The recent decision by the American Football Coaches Association to support expanding the playoff field to 24 teams only adds to the challenges. Why risk a loss when a solid non-conference record alongside a decent conference standing could suffice to qualify?
This brings us to another worrying development in college football—the cancellation of the home-and-home series between Georgia and Florida State that was scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Both teams recently announced they “mutually agreed” to drop those games, citing changes in scheduling mandates as the reasoning.
FSU Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Alford mentioned that the decision was made with both schools’ best interests in mind, as they consider hosting games at neutral sites instead. This could result in fewer thrilling on-campus experiences filled with passionate crowds, overshadowed by the pressure of mandatized scheduling.
These new scheduling requirements, coupled with the push for nine conference games, have shifted focus to minimizing risks rather than enhancing the exciting experience that fans cherish. It’s unfortunate that this trend has been in effect for a while now, and with the emergence of massive super conferences and expanded postseason formats, the situation seems poised to worsen. Many fans still seem to favor those big home-and-home matchups, even if it means more losses, but it’s clear that many schools appear indifferent to this sentiment.
