Scheduling Shakeups: Ole Miss and BYU Cancel Future Football Series

In a surprising move, the Ole Miss Rebels and BYU Cougars have announced the cancellation of their previously scheduled home-and-home football series. The series, which was set to begin in 2028 and conclude in 2029, has been scrapped due to a variety of factors, including the SEC's potential shift to a nine-game conference schedule and BYU's recent transition to the Big 12 Conference.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Football Scheduling

Shifting Priorities and Conference Realignment

The cancellation of the Ole Miss-BYU series is the latest in a series of schedule changes and adjustments that have been sweeping through the college football landscape. As conferences continue to evolve and realign, teams are finding it increasingly challenging to maintain long-standing non-conference matchups. The SEC's potential move to a nine-game conference schedule, coupled with BYU's transition to the Big 12, have created a complex web of scheduling conflicts and priorities that have ultimately led to the demise of this anticipated series.

The SEC's Potential Nine-Game Schedule

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been considering a shift to a nine-game conference schedule, and it appears that this change may be on the horizon. According to Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter, the SEC's move to a nine-game schedule in 2026 is likely to have a significant impact on the scheduling of marquee non-conference matchups, such as the one between the Rebels and Cougars.

BYU's Transition to the Big 12

The Cougars' recent move to the Big 12 Conference has also played a role in the cancellation of the series. As BYU adjusts to its new conference affiliation, the school has been reevaluating its future schedules, leading to the mutual decision to cancel the series with Ole Miss. This decision highlights the challenges that teams face when navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football scheduling.

The Domino Effect of Schedule Changes

The cancellation of the Ole Miss-BYU series is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, it was announced that Ole Miss and USC had mutually agreed to cancel their home-and-home football series that was set to be played in 2025 and 2026. This series cancellation, along with the BYU series, demonstrates the ripple effect that schedule changes can have on the broader college football landscape.

The Importance of Adaptability in College Football Scheduling

As the college football world continues to evolve, teams and athletic departments must remain adaptable and nimble in their scheduling strategies. The cancellation of the Ole Miss-BYU series is a testament to the need for constant reevaluation and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the face of changing circumstances. In an era of conference realignment and shifting priorities, the ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial for programs looking to maintain their competitive edge and provide exciting matchups for their fans.