Phil Knight backs Oregon exploring Big Ten, SEC move

As USC and UCLA make a move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, speculation has grown about where the biggest remaining brands like Oregon and Washington could land as conference realignment continues. According to Pac-12 insider John Canzano, high-profile Ducks supporter and Nike founder Phil Knight has his eyes set on a move to either the Big Ten or SEC in the coming years.

Phil Knight is known to have great influence on his alma mater given the amount of investment made by the billionaire, but a Big Ten or SEC move will come down to many more factors than one booster’s approval. For starters, there must be an open spot to jump into.

In addition to those attractive options, Oregon has reportedly evaluated the benefits of remaining in the Pac-12 for the time being as a marquee member of a potential alliance with the ACC or Big 12 as the super conference outsiders look to find alternative solutions for the future.

Jon Wilner on Oregon’s next move

The latest surrounding their future has been revealed by Jon Wilner of the Pac-12 hotline. He said a source would be “stunned” if either Pacific Northwest program left for the Big Ten, saying the conference is going to stay pat for a couple of years. From there, they will target another big named college football entity.

“I’d be stunned if Washington and Oregon go to the Big Ten,” Wilner’s source said, which he revealed via Twitter. “The Big Ten will sit back for two years, then try to get Notre Dame.”

Wilner also said the “growing reality” surrounding Oregon and Washington is they have two options. Stay in the Pac-12 and somehow make it work or leave for the Big 12. While it was a guess, Wilner said he thinks the former is the preference of the Ducks and Huskies.