The rivalry known as the “Holy War” between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) has long been one of the most heated and fiercely contested matchups in college sports. But in recent years, the drama surrounding this rivalry has extended beyond the field, with a series of events and shifting conference alignments that have the potential to reshape the future of college football.
The Big 12 Conference, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from the ongoing saga between Utah and BYU.
The Holy War Rivalry:
At the heart of the drama is the “Holy War” itself—a name given to the fierce rivalry between the Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars. These two universities, both based in Utah, have a history of intense competition, fueled by geographic proximity, cultural differences, and passionate fanbases. While the game itself has always been a significant event in college football, the rivalry has expanded to involve issues related to conference realignment, media rights, and recruitment.
In the past, the rivalry was a centerpiece of the Utah-BYU college sports landscape, particularly in football. However, with Utah’s decision to join the Pac-12 in 2011, the Holy War was put on a temporary hiatus, leaving BYU to operate as an independent program. This shift in conference affiliation led to a disruption in scheduling, and while the rivalry remained a cultural touchstone, the actual games became fewer and farther between.
Conference Realignment Drama:
The real drama surrounding the Holy War intensified when the landscape of college football began to shift once again with major conference realignment. As the Pac-12 and other Power Five conferences sought to expand and secure new television deals, the future of BYU and Utah’s football programs came into play. As one of the largest markets in the country, the state of Utah became a point of interest for many conferences, particularly as schools like Texas and Oklahoma announced their exits from the Big 12.
With BYU already on its own as an independent team, there was widespread speculation about where the Cougars would land as the college football world began to realign. Meanwhile, Utah found itself in a stable position within the Pac-12. However, the shifting tides meant that other programs were looking to take advantage of the changes, and the Big 12 Conference was one of the most active players in this drama.
The Big 12’s Gain:
As the drama unfolded, the Big 12 emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of conference realignment. In 2021, the Big 12 made headlines by inviting BYU, along with Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, to join the conference as part of its plan to replace the departing Texas and Oklahoma. This move was viewed by many as a strategic play to stabilize the conference and ensure its continued relevance in the changing college football landscape.
The addition of BYU to the Big 12 brought significant value to the conference. BYU’s large fan base, national exposure, and independent status meant that the Cougars would contribute substantial television revenue to the Big 12’s media rights deal. Additionally, BYU’s inclusion added to the already competitive nature of the conference, especially with the renewed prospect of the Holy War game potentially being a regular part of the conference schedule once again.
Utah’s Position:
For Utah, the situation is more complex. While the Utes have enjoyed success in the Pac-12, they are still considered a smaller program when compared to the traditional powers within that conference. If Utah had chosen to join the Big 12 alongside BYU, there’s a possibility that the rivalry could have been reignited more frequently. However, the Utes’ decision to remain in the Pac-12 (for now) means that they miss out on the potential financial and competitive advantages of the Big 12.
Utah’s position in the Pac-12 could ultimately lead to increased conference instability, as the Pac-12 struggles to maintain its television deals and negotiate new media contracts. If the Pac-12 falters, Utah could eventually be left searching for a new home. In such a scenario, the Big 12 might find itself with an even stronger hand, potentially adding Utah to the fold to bolster its position in the ever-changing college football landscape.
Conclusion:
The Holy War drama continues to unfold as Utah and BYU navigate a rapidly changing college football environment. While the rivalry itself remains one of the most storied in the sport, the shifting allegiances and the ongoing realignment could have significant long-term consequences for both schools. The Big 12 Conference stands to gain the most from these developments, with BYU’s addition already boosting the conference’s profile and financial standing. The next chapters of this drama will likely see even more twists and turns, with both Utah and BYU facing critical decisions that will shape the future of their football programs and the Holy War rivalry itself.
