The Big Ten confirmed Friday that Oregon and Washington will join the conference, bringing the membership of the league to 18 schools.
The departures from the Pac-12 will provide greater financial security for both schools and further the Big Ten’s westward expansion. The Ducks and Huskies are joining for the 2024 football season at the same time as current Pac-12 bretheren Southern California and UCLA, who announced their departure last year. No other Football Bowl Subdivision conference currently has more than 16 teams.
“I’m thrilled that the University of Oregon has the opportunity to join the nation’s preeminent academic-athletic conference,” Oregon president Karl Scholz said in a statement. “Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country.”
“We are proud of our rich history with the Pac-12 and for more than a year have worked hard to find a viable path that would keep it together. I have tremendous admiration and respect for my Pac-12 colleagues. Ultimately, however, the opportunities and stability offered by the Big Ten are unmatched,” Washington president Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement.
This latest round of conference realignment also strongly indicates the eventual demise of the Pac-12, which has already lost Colorado back to the Big 12 and could see its remaining members scramble for a permanent home amid the league’s deeply unsettled future.
“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers,” Washington State President Kirk Schulz and athletics director Pat Chun said in a statement.
“While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation. With exceptional student-athletes, a strong Cougar tradition and incredible support from our fans, donors and alumni, we will chart the best path forward together.”
With the departures of Colorado, Oregon and Washington, the Pac-12 has just seven members. Arizona, Arizona State and Utah are expected to leave the league for the Big 12 imminently, meaning there would be just four remaining: California, Oregon State, Stanford and Washington State
Given the uncertainty, however, the remaining may likely pursue other opportunities. Some could be future options in the Big Ten, such as Stanford and California. Stanford could also pursue independent status. They could also pursue a merger with teams from the Mountain West.
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