Which program can win Big Ten title first: Nebraska, UCLA, or USC

Since the Big Ten originally expanded, none of the added teams have won a conference championship. Nebraska has come the closest, appearing in the title game in their inaugural season. But the other two — Maryland and Rutgers — have not come close to Indianapolis.

Now, two more teams are entering the fold with USC and UCLA. The Los Angeles-based programs will join the Big Ten prior to the 2024 season and will be looking for immediate success.

When given the options of Nebraska, UCLA, and USC, On3’s J.D. PicKell was asked to decide which one would win a Big Ten championship first. He decided to go with the Trojans based on how head coach Lincoln Riley has been recruiting since arriving from Oklahoma.

“I think USC wins the Big Ten first of that group,” PicKell said. “I think they’ve recruited really well. Got Malachi Nelson sitting back there.”

The question was asked by a Nebraska fan, hoping PicKell would pick his Huskers. And while he is a fan of what’s building in Lincoln, there was no other option other than USC. From the quarterback transition of Caleb Williams to Malachi Nelson alone, PicKell views the Trojans in high regard.

“I love Matt Rhule, I love what Nebraska is building,” PicKell said. “I like UCLA, I like Chip Kelly. I like what they have with Dante Moore. They have a good chance to make some noise in the Pac-12 maybe this year.

“But with the talent they have at USC and the way I expect them to recruit — if they can just get it together defensively. I know Caleb Williams will be gone but having Malchi Nelson sitting there, running the Lincoln Riley offense — there may be an acclimation period. But if I had to pick today, I would put my money on USC to win the Big Ten first. Just how I feel about that one.”

If USC were to enter the Big Ten and win the conference, they would be the first non-Michigan or Ohio State champion since the 2016 season. A spot in the College Football Playoff would likely be secured as well and potentially a top-four spot with a bye.

That would be a dream scenario for Riley and his staff, entering with a bang. But there is still a long way to go before thinking about the Big Ten as an important 2023 season in the Pac-12 looms large.