Ryan Walters: New Big Ten teams will only add to the conference's prestige

Purdue football didn’t have life made any easier on them with the Big Ten adding four new powerhouse programs to the league in 2024 — Washington, Oregon, USC and UCLA.

The Ducks and Huskies were national title contenders a year ago and USC was for most of 2022. Overall, these four programs only raise the standard across the league in football. While those additions will certainly make life tougher in the Big Ten, just being a part of such a great collection of teams is worth it.

“Anytime you add four teams — like an Oregon, a USC, a UCLA, and a Washington — to the Big Ten Conference, it’s just going to add to the prestige, add to the strength of the Big Ten Conference,” Purdue coach Ryan Walters said. “Those are great storied programs with great coaching staffs and great players, and I’m looking forward to competing against them year in and year out.”

While he’s a fan of the coast-to-coast expansion, Walters did admit he’s happy to see some midwestern flavor left in the league with the Big Ten Championship remaining in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“As far as playing the Big Ten Championship game staying here in Indy, I think it adds to the tradition of the Big Ten Conference,” he remarked. “Obviously I’m a little biased, but this is a great venue and a great location for a championship game.”

The former Pac-12 additions will only elevate the level of competition across the entire Big Ten, even for an up-and-coming program like Purdue.

“I definitely think there is a chip on everyone’s shoulder in the building,” Walters added. “We are all here to compete,” he said, noting the team better have that mindset after last year.

“You go 4-8 (Purdue’s 2023 record), you better have a chip on your shoulder. I think the guys we brought in, we feel like they have something to prove, as well. Definently use it as motivation. Can’t really pay attention.”

Despite the addition of even more nationally competitive programs, Purdue and Ryan Walters have their eye on improvement in 2024.