Breaking down where Oregon stands in conference realignment discussion

Conference realignment is in full force and one of the key teams rumored to be looking to move is Oregon. With reported conversations between Big Ten presidents and Oregon, it seems like there could be movement if the Pac-12 destabilizes any further.

During an appearance on the Andy Staples On3 show, Justin Hopkins of Scoop Duck broke down where Oregon stands in conference realignment right now.

“Oregon’s probably been the most interesting because, as you said, they probably have the most weight to throw around in the conference with Washington right there as well,” Hopkins said. “Oregon and Washington are the top two.”

“But, Oregon’s been probably the quietest of everybody throughout everything. They just really haven’t said much. You know, ‘Hey, yeah, we’re committed to the Pac-12 if it can work,’ but not like they’re saying that every other day.”

Several Pac-12 schools seem uncomfortable with the state of the conference. One notable example is Arizona, who has an upcoming Board of Regents meeting to discuss athletics.

“So, you know, for me, just from what we know and we could be way off, but I think Oregon is committed to keeping some form of the Pac-12 conference alive if it makes sense,” Hopkins said. “But I also think that, and you might believe this or might not, we’re at the forefront of conference realignment, in my opinion.”

Hopkins emphasized that this is just the beginning of conference realignment. So, there is a tentativeness on the Ducks’ part to get into a long-term situation.

“I think the whole thing is gonna continue to change over the next three to six years, and so, I think if you’re Oregon, you’re afraid of getting locked into something too long-term, no matter what it is. Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12, whatever. Any of those scenarios. I think you’re afraid of getting locked into something too long-term because I feel that, and I believe Oregon believes this, that we’re at the forefront of conference realignment that’s going to probably really shake a major shape in the next three to six years.”

Pete Thamel on why Oregon and Washington make sense for the Big Ten

As of now, Oregon and Washington look to be key pieces in realignment and, as reporter Pete Thamel explained, they would make sense for the Big Ten.

“In talking to sources this afternoon, those logical expansion options would be Oregon and Washington. The Big Ten had been engaged with Oregon and Washington after its expansion of USC and UCLA. That didn’t work out. This time around, however, the Ducks and the Huskies are in a vulnerable position and they could likely come for a discount. I was told today that Oregon and Washington would ultimately represent about 13 football games that would get spread over the league’s current four partners. So it’s not like a whole new network would have to come in. Somebody would have to step up within the partners,” Thamel said.

“But there’s a logical landing spot, and it’s a matter of what price Oregon and Washington would come in for. I think it’s a lot more attractive to the Big Ten now to get them at a discount.”