Conference Realignment
Movement of schools between conferences, often affecting schedules, rivalries, revenue, and playoff access.
Glossary category
College Football Conferences Glossary
Conference terms help explain league membership, scheduling models, championship paths, and realignment language.
Back to all glossary termsTop Conferences Terms
Conference RealignmentMovement of schools between conferences, often affecting schedules, rivalries, revenue, and playoff access.DivisionA subdivision within a conference used historically or currently to organize standings and championship qualification.IndependentA team that does not belong to a football conference.Power FourA modern informal label usually referring to the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC.Protected RivalryA rivalry game preserved by scheduling rules even when conference formats change.
All Conferences Definitions
5 terms
Division
A subdivision within a conference used historically or currently to organize standings and championship qualification.
Independent
A team that does not belong to a football conference.
Power Four
A modern informal label usually referring to the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC.
Protected Rivalry
A rivalry game preserved by scheduling rules even when conference formats change.