College football rivalries face decline amid conference realignment

Changes in conference structures and the expansion of the College Football Playoff are impacting traditional college football rivalries. The long-standing matchup between Alabama and LSU is set to end a 63-season streak of consecutive annual meetings, with the teams not scheduled to play again until 2028 due to new SEC scheduling formats.

Analysts and coaches have noted the consequences of these shifts. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin expressed dissatisfaction with the new arrangements, while former ESPN analyst Jason Whitlock suggested that diminished rivalries and conference realignments are contributing to declining stadium attendance at various collegiate venues.