In the world of college football, the question of which program has the strongest brand appeal is a topic of much debate. While Oklahoma and Texas have historically dominated the sport, their recent struggles have left a void that other teams are vying to fill. Among the contenders, BYU stands out as a strong candidate, thanks to its large LDS following and a national championship in 1984. However, the real question is whether Texas Tech can build a century-old brand virtually overnight with the help of a billionaire's largesse. The Red Raiders have generated significant attention in the past year, but the ultimate test will be whether they can win a national championship. In the meantime, the Big 12's brand will be bolstered by the emergence of a new-age national contender, whether it's Texas Tech, BYU, or someone else. As for the future of college football, the sport's unique pageantry and community-building aspects will continue to set it apart from the NFL. However, the rise of NIL and conference realignment will likely continue to shake up the landscape, with the Group of 6 All-Stars potentially winning a national championship in the future. Finally, the author reflects on the importance of experiencing college football in person to truly understand its appeal, and the potential for a team of Group of 6 All-Stars to win a national championship in the future.
