Oregon, Texas, Arizona State, SMU among newest conference members in conference title games
The Pac-12 as we knew it might be dead, but its former members are still kicking in the latest round of conference realignment.
Oregon (Big Ten) and Arizona State (Big 12) are the two biggest winners after leaving the former West Coast conference, as both have advanced to the conference title games in their new respective conferences in their first year. The No. 1 Ducks (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) and No. 13 Sun Devils (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) have translated success into their new conferences.
Oregon plays No. 3 Penn State, while Arizona State plays No. 16 Iowa State. However, those aren't the only two conference newcomers to make the title game in their first seasons.
SEC newcomer No. 2 Texas (11-1, 7-1) takes on usual top-dog No. 5 Georgia in its championship game, while SMU (11-1, 8-0 ACC) plays No. 17 Clemson in the ACC championship game after moving from the American Conference.
Here's a deeper look at the newcomers in their conferences to qualify for the conference championship game:
Oregon - Big Ten Conference
- Former Conference: Pac-12
- Number of conference championships: 13
- Last conference championship: 2020 (Pac-12)
There is no doubt the Dan Lanning-led program belongs in the elite. The Ducks are the lone 12-0 team in FBS football and are seeking its first-ever 13-0 start. Oregon's resume is boosted by a 32-31 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State on Oct. 26.
Texas - SEC
- Former Conference: Big 12
- Number of conference championships: 29
- Last conference championship: 2023 (Big 12)
Texas finished 11-1 in its first season in the new conference, following doubts about how the Steve Sarkisian-led program would perform in college football's toughest conference. Outside of an Oct. 19 loss to Georgia, the Longhorns handled the transition well. Now, the chance for revenge against the Bulldogs awaits.
Arizona State - Big 12
- Former Conference: Pac-12
- Number of conference championships: 17
- Last conference championship: 2010 (Pac-10)
Kenny Dillingham's program has been one of the most under-the-radar teams in the nation this season. The Sun Devils have reversed course from a 3-9 2023 record to its first double-digit win season since 2023. Arizona State was picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll.
SMU - ACC
- Former Conference: American
- Number of conference championships: 12
- Last conference championship: 2023 (AAC)
The Mustangs have handled the transition from a Group of Five conference to the Power 4 well. SMU went undefeated in ACC play, proving it belongs under third-year coach Rhett Lashlee. With a win, the Mustangs should be in the 12-team College Football Playoff. But they have a shot, even if they lose a close game to the Tigers.