The Utah Utes have recently joined the Big 12 conference, but the college football landscape is rapidly changing, and more shifts may be on the way. Former coach turned analyst Rick Neuheisel believes that Utah could benefit from future realignment efforts, potentially leading them to join a premium conference like the SEC or Big Ten by 2030. According to Neuheisel, Utah’s growth in the Big 12 over the next few years is crucial for their success in reaching the College Football Playoff.
Utah has been in the Pac-12 for 13 years, but with several Pac-12 schools leaving for better opportunities, they now face a new challenge: competing in the Big 12. However, Neuheisel sees potential in Utah under coach Kyle Whittingham and believes that they have what it takes to thrive in their new conference. The Utes’ consistent approach to winning with defense and productivity on offense makes them a team to watch.
Neuheisel emphasizes the importance of Utah’s home field at Rice-Eccles Stadium in their success in the Big 12. He highlights their potential for success in their new conference as they begin their journey against Southern Utah on August 30.
The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and reconfiguration efforts are likely to continue. As such, Neuheisel suggests that Utah could potentially join a premium conference like the SEC or Big Ten by 2030 if there are further shifts within college football conferences. Whether or not this happens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The Utes are determined to succeed wherever they end up playing next season.
