Paul Finebaum reveals what the Big Ten could be looking for in further expansion

Paul Finebaum has his eyes in some interesting places regarding some potential continued expansion for the Big Ten.

Of course, the conference is already adding the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins to their docket moving forward, but some fascinating programs are being floated around. While many believe there’s some rhyme or reason to their choices, Finebaum thinks the Big Ten is relying more on availability than anything.

“Well, I think often it’s really more from an availability standpoint,” explained Finebaum, via McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning. “You know, why were they talking last summer to Washington and Oregon, because they were disgruntled, and I also think Washington and Oregon help the Big Ten a little bit from a western standpoint. Suddenly you have four schools on the west coast, as opposed to only two. It makes scheduling a little bit easier. I think it helps you, you encompass that part of the country.

“Where — I know there’s been some conversation if the ACC schools were available, North Carolina might be on the Big Ten list as well, I understand that. It’s a top rated academic institution. It brings a new part of the country, a new part of the country into play. But I would go west, from a Big Ten standpoint.”

Alas, the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies make the most sense of any potential additions to the Big Ten. As Finebaum mentioned, it would give the conference some more flexibility scheduling out west, as USC and UCLA are currently the only programs on that side of the country.

Still, the ACC could be ripe for the pickings moving forward, as the conference is in flux pertaining to their future. The North Carolina Tar Heels have been floated as a potential addition for the Big Ten, as their academic standing as well as their athletic programs more than meet their standards.

While Finebaum sees that as a possibility, he would still look out west if the Big Ten were to add some more teams to their conference. With USC and UCLA in tow, Oregon and Washington immediately jump out as the best and most sensible options, but it remains to be seen whether a move is made or not.

Time will tell what the Big Ten decides to do moving forward, but it’s evident there’s many possibilities at play. Who knows, the conference could look plenty different in a couple of months, as we’ve come to find out.