BYU's realignment could alter future games scheduled with B1G opponents

Independent BYU is on its way to the Power 5, as the Big 12 extended an invite to the school Friday morning. By virtue of being independent, BYU has a clause that would “allow for some adjustments” to its future schedules now that it will be a member of a Power 5 conference.

This comes from BYU AD Tom Holmoe via ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg:

#BYU‘s Holmoe says the school’s football game contracts as an independent contained a clause that would allow for some adjustments if BYU joining a Power 5 conference. Will begin working on it today. Some undoubtedly will stay, and others will go away.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 10, 2021

This could impact a couple of future games on the docket vs. B1G programs. BYU is slated to face Minnesota in 2025 and Michigan State in 2032. For now, we will have to wait and see if those games are adjusted or removed from the schedule, but it’s possible BYU will want to keep those matchups as marquee non-conference games.

The Big 12 has officially extended invites to four schools: independent BYU, and AAC schools UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston. BYU brings a strong national following as the Big 12 will eventually lose Texas and Oklahoma.

BYU edged Arizona 24-16 in Week 1 and will host No. 21 Utah on Sept 11. (10:15 p.m. EST/ESPN).