Pac-12 insider reveals the latest on potential Oregon, Washington conference realignment

With USC and UCLA off to the Big Ten in 2024, the two biggest brands remaining in the Pac-12 are Oregon and Washington. The two out-of-state rivals are not sure what their future looks like, with multiple options on the table, ranging from the Big Ten to Big 12 and even staying in the Pac-12.

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.

Notre Dame could be viewed as the biggest pawn remaining where everyone is waiting to see their next move. Independence has long been a tradition for the football program while a majority of their Olympic sports are members of the ACC. Moving to the Big Ten, and even possibly the SEC, would send shockwaves throughout the entire college football landscape.

Six Pac-12 schools reportedly in “deep discussion” with Big 12

Of course, the Big 12 still remains an option for Oregon and Washington. If push comes to shove and they have to leave the Pac-12, it’s still on the table. Per a Tuesday report, those discussions are already happening.

According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, the Big 12 is in “deep discussions” with six Pac-12 teams about joining the conference. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah were known from previous reports but Dodd said Oregon and Washington are in consideration as well.

The Big 12 is currently sitting at 12 members, once Oklahoma and Texas leave for the SEC. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF will be added around this time next year. Adding the six Pac-12 programs would bring the conference up to 18 members, the largest college football has ever seen at the FBS level.