A shift in college football conferences highlights the decline of regionalism in U.S. culture.
Over recent decades, the landscape of college football has undergone a significant transformation, marking the decline of traditional regionalism in the U.S. The reshaping of the nation’s college conferences, particularly in the sport of football, reflects broader cultural and demographic shifts. The move from regionally based conferences to large, nationally spread divisions is disrupting the once-clear geographical boundaries of American sports.
In the past, college football conferences were largely defined by regional allegiances, such as the Big Ten in the Midwest or the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the South. But as business models and advertising revenue streams began to dictate decisions, the old structure started to break down. Teams from coast to coast are now grouped together, with less concern for regional proximity and more emphasis on national appeal, media rights, and audience reach.
One notable example is the Big Ten’s decision to expand to 18 teams, which has stretched the conference across multiple time zones. Such decisions mark a shift from the traditional conference alignments based on geographical proximity. Teams that once faced off against regional rivals will now have matchups stretching across vast distances, from the Midwest to the Pacific coast.
The impact of this shift is not just confined to sports. As regions in the U.S. become more interconnected through business and political influence, the once distinct identities of areas like the Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast are becoming less pronounced. What was once a regional cultural divide is now becoming more fluid, and sports are a reflection of that change. As college football embraces these sweeping changes, it symbolizes a broader departure from the regionalism that once defined American culture.
