INDIANAPOLIS — After increasing in every of the previous two summers, the Huge Ten expects to remain at 18 members because it prepares to welcome 4 new additions from the West Coast.
Commissioner Tony Petitti mentioned at Huge Ten media days Tuesday that the league is “targeted on the 18 proper now,” as USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington will formally be a part of the convention subsequent month. Petitti took the same place towards USC and UCLA at 2023 Huge Ten media days, however motion from the Pac-12 to different conferences resulted in a fast pivot and the additions of each Oregon and Washington in early August.
“A number of work needed to be finished to combine USC, UCLA, and we began that work over instantly after we added Oregon and Washington,” Petitti mentioned. “So I believe we’re actually comfy with the place we’re. We have to get this convention proper, and that is the place our focus is.”
Petitti praised the accomplishments of the 4 new members throughout his opening feedback, noting 10 Heisman Trophy winners, 73 Faculty Soccer Corridor of Famers, 41 Rose Bowl championships and 173 first-round NFL draft picks, together with six within the 2024 draft and the primary total choice in USC quarterback Caleb Williams. In-season journey will likely be more difficult for each the 4 faculties and the Huge Ten’s current members, though the league crafted soccer schedules to stop cross-country journeys in consecutive weeks.
“I actually imagine scheduling is one thing that must be consistently evaluated by sport,” Petitti mentioned. “And I anticipate that we’ll get much more proper in these subsequent couple of years, the way in which we have formatted and scheduled. However it’s our job to hearken to student-athletes, to hearken to coaches, to guarantee that we’re adjusting and making the change we want.”
Petitti introduced that the Huge Ten soccer championship recreation will stay at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis by way of no less than 2028 however that different websites will likely be explored, together with these on the West Coast. The league’s title recreation has been performed in Indianapolis since its inception in 2011.
“It is actually essential that markets across the nation get to expertise Huge Ten championships,” Petitti mentioned. “It is a actually good solution to join the convention. So over time, you may begin to see the geographic footprint increase.”