College football insider predicts LSU’s future permanent SEC opponents
We know the SEC is in for a major change after the 2023 season with Oklahoma and Texas set to join the league in 2024. What, precisely, those changes will look like remains a bit of a mystery, however.
One thing is for sure: The current divisional setup will be a thing of the past. Many expect the league to move toward a similar setup as the ACC, which is scrapping divisions beginning this fall in favor of a permanent vs. rotational opponent setup.
Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, who has been on top of many stories regarding this current batch of realignment, released his predictions for each SEC team’s three permanent rivalries. For the Tigers, Dellenger expects them to draw Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Alabama every year.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) March 3, 2023
It’s hard to argue with the logic here. The Alabama-LSU contest is one of the SEC’s premier football rivalries, and it should be protected at all costs. The Ole Miss rivalry has historic value, while the TAMU one is budding and has featured some thrilling contests in recent years.
Of course, it’s not perfect. This would mean the Tigers lose traditional annual rivalries in Auburn and Arkansas, as well as the yearly game against Florida.
It’s worth noting that this is just a prediction, but given Dellinger’s track record on this subject, it’s likely based on some reporting. Per Dellinger, the SEC is also considering an eight-game format instead of nine, which would feature just one protected annual rival.
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