Conference realignment has always been a constant in the landscape of college football, but the last decade has really felt like something different. History, tradition, and geography are no longer driving the decisions, and instead it all comes down to money, which is another way of saying “brand.”
Michigan Wolverines and Big Ten fans can feel confident that the next wave of expansion will bring in more quality programs to the conference. Maybe USC and UCLA feel a little strange, but at least no one can question their objective value, unlike the geography-driven additions of Rutgers and Maryland the last go-around.