The Pac-12 will “explore all expansion options” as it tries to regroup following the sudden and startling news that USC and UCLA would be leaving in favor of the Big Ten in 2024. With college athletics’ landscape once again in a state of upheaval, all options are on the table as the Power Five’s West Coast league looks to stay afloat in whatever way possible moving forward.
“The Pac-12 Board of Directors met this morning and authorized the conference to explore all expansion options,” said a conference statement released on Friday. “The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes.”
Expansion may suddenly be on the radar for the Pac-12, but keeping its remaining membership intact is also a priority. Oregon and Washington, two other Pac-12 brands that could potentially bail, reached out to the Big Ten to gauge its interest, according to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd, but were told that the conference is standing pat for now.
Spitballing here — how about you combine the remaining Big 12 & Pac 12 schools and call it Biggie and Pac.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 1, 2022