Another item to cover from today: The idea that the PAC 12 and BIG could "merge"
This is not a merger, from what I understand. What's being discussed is a cooperation agreement and it has 100% to do with FOX. The idea is that they will go together to FOX to bargain their upcoming deal(s), and in part introduce the idea of a flex-schedule between the league's members that creates top matchups annually like USC-Ohio State, Michigan-Stanford... The kinds of "storied" matchups that you normally only get in the Rose Bowl. Both conferences would retain their own rights, but see bumps in value from these premier matchups. Lots of leverage against FOX who, if they want to stay in CFB, has few options. What would through a wrench? BIG getting raided, or the BIG landing a premier like ND... Then I think they probably go it alone.
On the Rose Bowl, I saw it mentioned that this might be why they are forming the partnership... I don't think that's true. My knowledge of the broader new CFP discussions is that they are going to cave to the "premier bowls" and get them placed in the semis/etc. and revenue will be distributed appropriately... Outside of that, if the BIG/PAC want to have a non-playoff rose bowl, they will be able. The Rose Bowl contract is up after 2026.
All of this, the ACC and BIG/PAC news, is further bad news for the Big 8.