Penn State target delays decision; USC, UCLA to the Big Ten is official: Newsstand
Penn State football news, notes, and updates for July 1 include a top target backing up his decision date, a recap of Lift for Life, and confirmation that UCLA and USC are moving to the Big Ten.
Let’s dive into the top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college football on July 1.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with realignment news.
Just before 9:30 p.m. ET Thursday night, Penn State Athletics released numerous statements acknowledging that two new teams would join the Big Ten in 2024. USC and UCLA will come aboard on Aug. 2, 2024, and be part of the conference for that year’s sports seasons.
“Penn State University is a proud member of the Big Ten Conference, and we welcome the addition of two world-class universities to our family,” new Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft said in a statement.
“USC and UCLA are both synonymous with academic and athletics success and will be tremendous additions to our conference.”
Top 10
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Jim Knowles
Ohio State DC is on the move
- 2
Chip Kelly
Two NFL teams emerge as suitors
- 3
John Calipari
Previews emotions of UK return
- 4
LSU TE viral dunk vs. Bama
5-star football player now hoops star?
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Flau'Jae Johnson
Calls out South Carolina for playing late-father song
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Added James Franklin:
“This is another big step in the ever-changing college football landscape and we embrace the change. USC and UCLA are two institutions with a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic success. They will only strengthen our already very strong Big Ten Conference.”
In other news, a top Penn State recruiting target is delaying his decision. Four-star linebacker and Fairfax, Va., Class of 2023 recruit Tony Rojas was to pick his future school on July 5. However, that will now happen on July 14, he shared on Twitter Thursday. The Lions still hold a commanding lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Finally, for this section, Lift for Life was held in front of fans for the first time since 2019 on Thursday in State College. Learn more about the event in the headlines below, and do note that fundraising continues.
Headlines of the day
Reasons for and residue of USC/UCLA bolt to Big Ten have me conflicted at best, depressed at worst: Jones, PennLive
On first day, Patrick Kraft takes stock of Penn State Athletics: Bauer, BWI
UCLA and USC to the Big Ten? Simply more proof that money wins out: Maisel, On3
At Lift for Life, Penn State starts preseason camp countdown: Notes: Bauer, BWI
Big Ten Expansion, Penn State and the Future: Wogenrich, SI
BWI Photos: Freshmen at Penn State’s Lift for Life: Carr, BWI
What is going on in the Big Ten, college athletics as a whole?: Engle, Daily Collegian
Penn State adds 10th four-star commitment to Class of 2023 in defensive back King Mack: Snyder, BWI
Penn State football continues support for rare disease community in 19th annual Lift for Life: CDT
Quote of the day
“Penn State was just a different vibe. Happy Valley, once I got there, I knew that was the place to be. The way Coach Franklin cares for the kids, he sees bigger than football. But he doesn’t settle for a bachelor’s degree. He wants you to get your master’s degree. That separates and makes a difference between being mediocre and being great. That just stood out for me. What they’re building, it’s wonderful.”
—New PSU commit King Mack to On3’s Joseph Hastings in regards to why he picked the Lions.
