Two divisions of eight teams
The SEC has two divisions within the conference: the SEC West and SEC East. Adding Texas and Oklahoma will likely mean that a couple teams shift to a different division. This is much more favorable. Not only will it keep the existing rivalries, but it likely sets up a better SEC championship game.
Having to go through a gantlet of the same teams will create a hostility that college football fans love, rather than playing a team from a separate pod once every few years and losing that competitive fire with one another. Here is a map of how the conference could look if it keeps the East and West:
Geographically speaking, there's no issues here. #SEC pic.twitter.com/vPk5bPvj3o
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) July 21, 2021
It would involve sliding Alabama and Auburn to the East division, making way for Texas and Oklahoma in the West. It also allows the in-state rivalry to be rekindled, which Texas A&M seems to be dodging, while also pairing Texas with former Southwest Conference foe Arkansas.
The Longhorns and Sooners would also experience a yearly matchup with LSU, which would be a great game every year. Although the argument can be made that the East is tougher, given the trajectory of both Texas schools, along with LSU, there very well could be four elite teams on each side. This could also equate to more parody in a conference that has been run by Alabama. This seems like the more logical, and, honestly, more fun option, because it keeps the rivalries alive while balancing competition.