Sports

Fans Upset With Lack Of Permanent Rivalries Following Big 12 Schedule Release

#Big 12
by Last Updated
A Big XII logo on the football field at Kansas State.

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The Big 12 dropped its schedules for the 2024-2027 seasons this week with new members soon to join the conference. Those new teams include a quartet of PAC 12 programs in Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.

The league did its best to accommodate its soon-to-be 16 members, but there’s one aspect of schedule that doesn’t sit well with fans.

With the growing number of schools joining the conference, officials were unable to schedule a permanent rival for each team. In fact, only four rivalries will be played annually, each involving foes located in the same state.

Those include Arizona-Arizona State, Baylor-TCU, BYU-Utah, and Kansas-Kansas State.

Here’s a breakdown of how many times conference members will play one another over the next four seasons.

Fans on social media were quick to point out the “misses” the Big 12 left off the schedule.

“WVU – Cincinnati. I’m sure WVU fans were looking forward to traveling a couple hundred miles to Cincinnati instead of 1,500-2,000 miles to the new schools.”

“Texas Tech – TCU and Texas Tech – Oklahoma State were huge misses.”

“Farmageddon (Iowa State – Kansas State). Longest never interrupted rivalry about to be interrupted so that we can play… checks notes… Central Florida. Progress?”

That “Farmaggeddon” game between the Wildcats and Cyclones was the most upsetting as the series has been played every year dating back to 1917. It’s one of just two uninterrupted rivalries in college football, as well as one of the oldest series between two opponents in the sport.

It’s also highly competitive, with ISU holding a slight 52-50-4 series advantage. The two teams will play in 2024, 2025, and 2026, but the rivalry will be interrupted in 2027 as KSU’s matchup with instate Kansas takes precedent.

Many believed “pods” to be the answer, but unfortunately, the league decided to go in a different direction.

“Pods were the answer, and this seems glaringly correct after seeing this abomination.”

Fans are upset that some of those historic rivalries couldn’t be preserved, a theme that’s touched all leagues given the recent conference realignment. They’ll have to get used to some new series being formed as the incoming members join.

Below is the full 2024 slate.