Washington athletic department releases statement on USC, UCLA move to Big Ten

After USC and UCLA announced their departures from the Pac-12 to move to the Big Ten, Oregon and Washington came up as teams to watch as conference realignment dominoes continue to fall. Friday morning, Washington released a statement saying it’s “disappointed” by the two departures.

In a joint statement, UW president Ana Mari Cauce and athletic director Jen Cohen said the Huskies have been in touch with the conference office and are looking at all options amid the ever-changing college sports landscape.

“We are disappointed by the news that UCLA and USC are leaving the Pac-12, a conference with such rich tradition and history,” the statement read. “We have been in close contact with our leadership and peers in the Pac-12 and are working together to examine options and opportunities.

“The University of Washington has a distinguished record of success at the highest levels, in and out of competition, and is in a strong position as we process this development. We are confident that we will continue to increase the strength of our athletic programs and the success and well-being of our student-athletes.”

Pac-12 ‘disappointed’ by USC, UCLA decisions to leave for Big Ten

USC and UCLA shook up the proverbial college athletics Etch-A-Sketch on Thursday with their moves from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. Shortly after the news became official, the Pac-12 released a statement expressing its disappointment in the move.

UCLA and USC are two longtime members of the Pac-12 and the decisions are part of the bigger conference realignment picture. They’ll join the Big Ten in 2024, according to the announcement.

“While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC today, we have a long and storied history in athletic, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that w’ere confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future,” the statement read. “The Pac-12 is home to many of the world’s best universities, athletic programs and alumni, representing one of the most dynamic regions in the United States.

“We’ve long been known as the Conference of Champions, and we’re unwavering in our commitment to extend that title. We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member institutions, and we look forward to partnering with current and potential members to pioneer the future of college athletics together.”