Conference realignment has become a defining story in college sports, with the American Athletic Conference swelling from ten to fifteen football members since its 2013 inception. The recent departure of UCF for the Big 12 illustrates how quickly the map can shift, and the conversation now turns to whether USF could follow suit.
A New Era for USF Athletics
USF arrives at this crossroads with a compelling résumé: a string of winning seasons in both football and basketball, a freshly built on‑campus stadium, and a television market that ranks among the nation’s largest. Athletics director Rob Higgins has repeatedly emphasized that the university “deserves to be on the biggest national stage,” while urging the program to remain fully committed to its current league.
Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti, who now leads the rebranded American Conference, acknowledges the allure of a Power Four move but stresses that institutions should first “invest in what they have now.” His stance reflects a broader sentiment that stability can be as valuable as the promise of a bigger payday.
The SEC and Big Ten have been aggressive in expanding their footprints, a trend that opens a theoretical pathway for schools like USF to climb into those elite circles. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has admitted that talks about a potential split from the NCAA have surfaced, yet he says the league is not pursuing that route at this juncture.
Coaches and players feel the ripple effects of these discussions. USF head coach Brian Hartline recently noted that the prospect of conference change can generate anxiety about future competitiveness, even as the team focuses on delivering strong performances each week.
Other programs with similar aspirations include Memphis and Tulane, both of which have shown they can compete at a high level. Last season’s American Conference Championship Game between Tulane and North Texas served as a play‑in contest for the College Football Playoff, underscoring how a single victory can reshape a school’s trajectory.
If USF were to make the leap, the implications would extend beyond athletics, influencing recruiting, revenue distribution, and the overall dynamics of the sport. The conversation remains fluid, but the combination of market size, recent success, and institutional ambition keeps the university at the center of the debate.