Sources predict swift, massive change to conference landscape following USC, UCLA decision

Could this be the end of college athletics as we know it?

On Thursday, as news broke that USC and UCLA are planning to leave the Pac-12 Conference for the Big Ten as early as 2024, per Jon Wilner. Now, Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic revealed she’s being told that this — coupled with moves like Oklahoma and Texas moving from the Big 12 to the SEC — could lead to two super-conferences dominating college football.

“Just got off the phone with someone who believes this eventually leads to two megaconferences — the Big Ten and SEC — with 20 or more members apiece,” tweeted Auerbach.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the changes coming to the sport, one thing is for sure — they’re coming. Additionally, the huge programs are the ones motivated to make the move, as Bruce Feldman of FOX tweeted that the Trojans and Bruins were the ones who made the initial overture to the Big Ten.

“Source tells me that there is a lot of truth to @wilnerhotline report about USC and UCLA in discussions to leave for the Big Ten,” added Feldman. “My understanding is USC and UCLA reached out to the Big Ten.. certain legal parameters and bylaws need to be followed for obviously legal reasons.”

Still, Feldman added that it’s far from a done deal, as legal proceedings will need to be followed before a move is made. Nevertheless, the ground is shaking beneath college football as we know it, and huge changes could be on the horizon for multiple conferences.

More on USC, UCLA, flirtation with Big Ten

Moreover, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger later confirmed that the two schools have entered negotiations with the Big Ten. He added that “teams are jockeying” to gain membership in the Big Ten and SEC.

USC and UCLA are not only two of the Pac-12’s most successful schools across athletics, but are two of the largest brands in the country which offer a new market opportunity for the Big Ten. While they fall far outside the current geographic landscape of the conference, the move promises to provide great financial benefit for all parties.

The move would serve as the next major domino to fall in conference realignment after Texas and Oklahoma announced their intention to join the SEC by 2025. As conference commissioners failed to come to a resolution on a College Football Playoff format, the race to stockpile blue-blood programs together seems to be heating up.