REPORT: Big Ten Begins Discussions To Add Additional Pac-12 Programs

As the Pac-12 conference continues to crumble, the Big Ten is reportedly holding meetings to discuss more expansion.

With several big changes coming in 2024, the landscape of college football continues to evolve at a rapid pace - and it doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. 

According to a report published by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports, the Big Ten conference has begun preliminary talks surrounding the addition of several prominent Pac-12 teams, including Oregon, Washington, Cal and Stanford. 

The Big Ten has begun exploratory discussions about expanding membership to 18 or even 20 teams, industry sources have told Yahoo Sports. The schools being considered are Oregon and Washington if the league adds two schools, and Cal and Stanford if it wants to move to 20. All four institutions are currently members of the Pac-12.

The discussions are in the very early stages, sources caution. No decision, including on whether to expand or stay put at 16 teams, has been made or is considered imminent.

A group of Big Ten presidents have begun exploratory discussions on expansion in light of Pac 12 uncertainty, industry sources tell Yahoo Sports.

Focus is on possibly adding Oregon and Washington to move to 18 members or Cal and Stanford to reach 20. https://t.co/0kJj4twFdq

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) August 2, 2023

The Big Ten is already set to welcome two of the biggest programs from the Pac-12 conference in 2024, as USC and UCLA will become official members of the conference next season.  

Not only is the Pac-12 in danger of losing additional premier programs to the Big Ten Conference, the Big 12 is also a key player in looking to expand at the Pac-12's expense. Most recently, it was announced that Colorado would be moving back to the Big 12 for the 2024 season, and the Big 12 is also pushing hard for the addition of Arizona, Arizona State and Utah.