Nebraska releases statement welcoming USC, UCLA to Big Ten

Thursday morning, all seemed quiet in college athletics. But that changed quickly when USC and UCLA joined the Big Ten — and Nebraska was among the first to welcome the new members.

Cornhuskers athletic director Trev Alberts and chancellor Ronnie Green released a joint statement celebrating the new additions to the league. Big Ten presidents unanimously approved USC and UCLA’s membership in the league, effective in 2024. It marks another seismic move as conference realignment dominoes fell in the last year, starting with Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 for the SEC in the near future.

“This is an exciting and historic day for the Big Ten Conference and the University of Nebraska,” the statement read. “The addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten is a bold, ambitious step during a time of historic change in the collegiate athletics landscape. These institutions will add two world-class athletic departments and brands to the Big Ten and stretch the Conference footprint from coast to coast.

“For the University of Nebraska, there are many positives associated with this expansion. UNL has a large alumni base in California that will have a great opportunity to regularly watch our teams compete in historical athletic venues in Southern California. Nebraska has had a history of success recruiting athletes from California, and this will only enhance Nebraska’s profile in a fertile recruiting ground. We welcome UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference and look forward to competing with them in the future.”

Big Ten officially announces additions of USC, UCLA

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren also released a statement announcing the moves, which will take the league to 16 teams in just a few years. Now, the conference stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific — and conference realignment continues to be a huge part of the college football landscape.

“As the national leader in academics and athletics for over 126 years, the Big Ten Conference has historically evaluated its membership with the collective goal to forward the academic and athletic mission for student-athletes under the umbrella of higher education,” Warren said. “The unanimous vote today signifies the deep respect and welcoming culture our entire conference has for the University of Southern California, under the leadership of President Carol Folt, and the University of California, Los Angeles, under the leadership of Chancellor Gene Block.

“I am thankful for the collaborative efforts of our campus leadership, athletics directors and Council of Presidents and Chancellors who recognize the changing landscape of college athletics, methodically reviewed each request, and took appropriate action based on our consensus.”