Conference Realignment Ripple Effects
LSU announced that it will not honor the home-and-home football series slated for 2029 and 2030 against Arizona State. The decision comes as the SEC moves from an eight‑game to a nine‑game conference schedule, leaving less room for non‑conference matchups.
The cancellation follows a similar withdrawal by the University of Florida, which had already pulled its commitments to play ASU in 2028 and 2031. Both schools cited the new conference calendar as the primary driver behind the reshuffling of their out‑of‑conference plans.
Arizona State has been proactive in filling the void, arranging games against other SEC members in recent years. The Sun Devils will face Mississippi State in 2024 and 2025, and this season they travel to College Station to meet Texas A&M in their second contest.
The new slate not only provides ASU with additional exposure against traditional powerhouses but also reflects a broader trend of Group of Five programs seeking marquee matchups to boost recruiting and revenue.
Analysts expect the realignment to continue shaping non‑conference schedules, with conferences negotiating more flexible agreements to accommodate the evolving landscape of college football.