The Big Ten Conference has added four new member schools in Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, making the conference even more competitive and exciting. The newcomers will join three original members already in the top 10, and current national champion Michigan, to create a powerhouse conference.
The Big Ten Conference has had a strong presence in the College Football Playoffs, with at least one representative in eight of the ten playoff years. Now, with the addition of four former Pac-12 schools, the conference is poised to become even more dominant.
Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA bring a wealth of talent and tradition to the Big Ten. Oregon was last year's national championship runner-up, while Washington is a perennial powerhouse with a strong football program. USC is a historic program with a rich tradition of success, and UCLA has a strong recent history of success in the Pac-12.
The Big Ten Expands: Welcoming Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA
The Big Ten already boasts three programs ranked in the top ten nationally: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 8 Penn State, and No. 9 Michigan. The addition of these four new schools will undoubtedly make the conference even more competitive and exciting.
Michigan running back Donovan Edwards is enthusiastic about the new additions. "I think it's a great thing to add former Pac-12 teams into the Big Ten," he said. "Growing up, they were always fantastic schools, and for them to be in the Big Ten now, I think it's great."
The Big Ten Expands: Welcoming Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA
Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka agrees. "It's awesome," he said. "Just an opportunity to have such amazing teams and make it such a more competitive environment. I'm really looking forward to it."
Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma in the offseason, played in the AAC and Big 12 conferences before joining the Big Ten. He believes his previous experiences will prepare him for the challenges of playing in the new conference.
The Big Ten Expands: Welcoming Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA
"I've played in so many different places, and I feel like it's what football is all about," he said. "I've had the privilege to play in a bunch of different cool environments, and it's been very exciting."
The addition of these four schools to the Big Ten signifies a major shift in the college football landscape. The conference is now the largest in the FBS, with 16 members. It also boasts some of the most prestigious and successful programs in the country.
The 2023 Big Ten season is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With the addition of Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, the conference is guaranteed to provide thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments throughout the season.
