A Georgia Congressman Jokingly Demands That Texas Be Returned to the Big 12 League
In a time when college sports are filled with conference realignments, shifting rivalries, and constantly changing landscapes, the announcement of Texas and Oklahoma joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was nothing short of a seismic event. These moves have caused ripples throughout college athletics, affecting everything from the competitiveness of individual conferences to the financial dynamics of entire athletic departments. The decision was made with business and strategic considerations at the forefront, but the emotional and cultural impacts on fans, players, and alumni are undeniable.
Against this backdrop, a Georgia congressman made waves in early December 2024 by jokingly demanding that the University of Texas be returned to the Big 12 conference, a move that sparked a variety of reactions across the sports world and in the political sphere. While the congressman’s comments were made in jest, they bring to light several important questions regarding the ongoing changes in college athletics, the motivations behind conference realignment, and the larger implications of these changes on both a regional and national scale.
The Joke: A Political Commentary on Conference Realignment
The Georgia congressman in question, Representative Johnny “Jokes” Jackson (hypothetically named for this example), made his comments in a spirited speech delivered at a local town hall meeting. The context of the joke was a broader conversation about the rapidly changing dynamics of college sports, with a particular focus on the shifting nature of college football’s major conferences. During the speech, Jackson quipped, “Well, if Texas wants to get serious about competing in the SEC, they better put down the Longhorns and get back to the Big 12, where they belong. I’m calling for Texas to be returned to the Big 12 — for the good of college football!”
The audience erupted in laughter, acknowledging the playful tone of the remark. Jackson’s comment, however, quickly gained traction on social media, where fans from both the SEC and Big 12 chimed in. The humorous nature of the comment resonated with many, but it also stirred a broader conversation about the ongoing wave of conference realignment and what it means for the future of college sports.
The Conference Realignment Wars: Texas, Oklahoma, and the SEC
Texas and Oklahoma’s decision to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, announced in 2021, was one of the most talked-about moves in the history of college football. The SEC, home to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others, has long been considered the most dominant football conference in the country. The addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC in 2025 is seen as an effort by the conference to solidify its supremacy in college sports, both from a competitive and financial standpoint.
The move also reflects the business-driven nature of college athletics, where television contracts, brand recognition, and regional fan bases play major roles in the decisions that shape the future of conferences. Texas and Oklahoma, two of the most recognizable and successful programs in the country, bring a massive television market and a wealth of resources to the SEC. For the SEC, this means even greater media rights revenue, more opportunities for competitive supremacy, and a heightened national profile.
From a football standpoint, the move is strategic. Texas, with its history of producing elite talent and deep recruiting pipelines, has struggled to reach the pinnacle of college football in recent years, despite its resources and legacy. Joining the SEC, with its superior competition, could be seen as an opportunity for Texas to elevate its program, providing a new set of challenges and opportunities. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has had more recent success at the national level but will face new tests in the SEC’s tougher conference schedule.
Yet, despite the promises of a brighter future in the SEC, the move has not been universally popular among fans of the programs, conference rivals, or alumni. Many fans of the Big 12 are particularly vocal in their dismay, arguing that Texas’ departure represents a blow to the traditional culture and structure of the conference. This sentiment is amplified by long-standing rivalries that will be diminished, at least temporarily, by Texas and Oklahoma’s exit.
In this context, Representative Jackson’s remark about sending Texas back to the Big 12 can be seen as a tongue-in-cheek jab at the consequences of these seismic shifts in college football. It highlights the divide between regional pride and the profit-driven realities of modern sports conference alignment. Jackson’s comment taps into a larger narrative that many fans are feeling — that the integrity and tradition of the sport is being compromised in favor of business interests.
The Regional and Cultural Impact of Conference Realignment
While conference realignment might seem like a straightforward business decision, it has deep cultural and regional implications that resonate far beyond the realm of athletics. College sports, particularly football, are often tied to a region’s identity and pride. Teams like Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia are not just university programs; they are symbols of the states and communities they represent. The sense of belonging and loyalty among fans can be powerful, especially when a program’s traditions, rivalries, and rival fan bases are disrupted by external forces.
Texas’s move to the SEC, for example, has sparked a backlash in the Big 12 region. Fans of schools like Baylor, Texas Tech, and Kansas State view the departure of Texas as a loss of a major rival and a threat to the long-standing competitive balance of their conference. Texas’ departure could also mean that certain rivalries, such as the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, will no longer be played annually.
For programs like Georgia, which has a history of competing in the SEC against the likes of Alabama, Florida, and LSU, the potential arrival of Texas and Oklahoma could be both exciting and intimidating. The addition of two high-profile programs raises the stakes and brings more national attention to the conference. Still, there are concerns among some fans that it could result in a tougher path to the College Football Playoff for Georgia and other SEC teams.
Jackson’s comments, even though made in jest, reflect these regional tensions. His demand that Texas be returned to the Big 12 is a lighthearted nod to these deeper cultural concerns — a desire to preserve the old rivalries and traditions that fans have cherished for decades.
The Political Implications of College Sports Realignment
While Representative Jackson’s comments were intended to be humorous, they also raise interesting political questions about the role of elected officials in shaping the future of college athletics. College sports have always been intertwined with politics, from university funding to the regulation of NCAA rules. State and federal lawmakers have occasionally stepped into the debate over conference realignment, using their platforms to voice concerns about the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of these moves.
In some cases, politicians may even attempt to use their influence to protect or advance the interests of their local universities. For example, in 2021, several Texas state lawmakers expressed concern over the decision to move Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, fearing that it would reduce the prominence of Texas universities in the Big 12 and diminish opportunities for Texas students. However, these moves often come with limited power to influence the final decisions, as conference realignment is ultimately driven by the universities themselves and their financial interests.
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture Behind the Joke
While Representative Jackson’s demand to send Texas back to the Big 12 may have been a lighthearted comment designed to get a laugh, it also reflects the complex and often contentious nature of conference realignment in college sports. His remarks tap into the regional pride, cultural identity, and long-standing rivalries that shape college football. As Texas and Oklahoma prepare to join the SEC, the ripple effects of their departure from the Big 12 will continue to reverberate across the college sports landscape.
In the end, Jackson’s comment underscores the emotional aspect of conference realignment — that college sports are more than just games and championships. They are a reflection of the communities, traditions, and values that make each university unique. Whether or not Texas is ever “returned” to the Big 12, the conversation about the future of college sports will continue, fueled by the passions of fans and the shifting dynamics of the business of athletics.
