Every so often, it’s worth reflecting on the bold leadership of Frank Broyles, the man who ensured the Arkansas Razorbacks found their footing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His decision, made over 30 years ago, not only set the Razorbacks on a path to long-term success but also reshaped the landscape of college athletics.
Broyles wasn’t just an athletics director; he was a pioneer in college football realignment. In a time when most programs stayed in their comfort zones, he took the bold step of moving Arkansas out of the Southwest Conference (SWC) and into the SEC, a move driven by foresight and ambition. While the decision was largely motivated by financial stability and competitive advantage, it also showcased his commitment to securing the Razorbacks’ future.
The fallout from Arkansas’ departure was dramatic. With Broyles leading the charge, the SWC eventually crumbled, leaving schools like Rice, Houston, SMU, and TCU scrambling for survival in mid-major conferences. Texas and Oklahoma managed to land in the Big 12, but even they could not avoid further realignment, as both programs are now set to join the SEC, following in Arkansas’ footsteps.
As the Big 12 absorbed teams from the PAC-12 and other conferences, the college football landscape continued to shift. The collapse of the PAC-12 left schools like Oregon State and Washington State scrambling to rebuild by inviting Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State to join their ranks. However, restructuring the league comes with a hefty price tag, as each program leaving the Mountain West faces $17 million in departure costs, plus an additional $43 million as part of a scheduling agreement.
The PAC-12 must reach at least eight members by 2026 to maintain its FBS status, and schools like UNLV may be potential candidates, given their lucrative location, stadium, and NIL potential. Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference stands to gain over $100 million from this round of realignment, potentially using the funds to expand by inviting FCS programs or poaching from other FBS conferences.
Arkansas, however, has stood firm and reaped the rewards of Broyles’ decision. Since joining the SEC, the Razorbacks have won multiple championships, including the 1994 NCAA basketball title. While football success has been less consistent, coaches like Bobby Petrino and Houston Nutt have brought the team to new heights, keeping the Razorbacks competitive in one of the nation’s most powerful conferences.
Thanks to Broyles’ foresight, Arkansas has avoided the turmoil of conference realignment that other programs face today. The Razorbacks continue to benefit from revenue-sharing deals in the SEC, one of the two richest conferences in the country, and remain a strong brand in college sports. Broyles’ decision to break from the SWC and join the SEC has paid dividends for decades, securing Arkansas’ place as a powerhouse in college athletics.
